
water
Water is calorie-free and essential for hydration and metabolic function. It contains no macronutrients but may provide trace minerals depending on source (mineral water) or lack them entirely (distilled water).
About
Water (H₂O) is a colorless, odorless, tasteless chemical compound essential to all known forms of life, consisting of two hydrogen atoms bonded to one oxygen atom. It exists in three primary states—solid (ice), liquid, and gaseous (steam)—and comprises approximately 60% of the adult human body. In culinary contexts, water serves as a universal solvent and medium for cooking, with properties that vary by source (mineral, spring, filtered, distilled, or tap) and composition, affecting flavor and cooking outcomes.
In professional cooking, water quality significantly impacts final dishes. Hard water (mineral-rich) and soft water (low mineral content) influence extraction rates in tea and coffee, dissolution of salt and sugar, and the texture of baked goods and pasta. Tap water, spring water, filtered water, and mineral water each impart different mineral profiles that subtly influence flavor development and chemical reactions during cooking.
Culinary Uses
Water is the fundamental medium in cooking, serving multiple functions across all culinary traditions. It is used for boiling, steaming, poaching, and braising proteins and vegetables; dissolving ingredients such as salt, sugar, and leavening agents; creating stocks, broths, and soups; and regulating temperature and texture in baking and pastry work. In beverages, water serves as the base for tea, coffee, and broths. The quality and mineral content of water directly affect cooking results—mineral water can enhance flavor in stocks, while filtered water may be preferred for delicate preparations like consommé or when precise flavor control is necessary.
Used In
Recipes Using water (2,668)
Batter-fried Okra
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Servings: 8
Baursaks
Baursaks from the Recidemia collection
Bayagyaw
Bayagyaw (Spiced Yellow-Pea Fritters) can be served either as an appetizer or snack. It’s a great complement to tea or coffee.
Bazha
This is based on Georgian (as in post-Soviet) cuisine, but it’s my own recipe, which means that it’s very flexible with ingredients and quantities. It goes great with grilled vegetables, especially eggplant. Garnish with a few pomegranate seeds.
BBQ Beef Ribs
BBQ ribs are a great alternative to the classic pork ribs and more economical.
BBQ Duck and Ramen Soup
Love this simple but delicious noodle soup on a cold wet rainy day. Great meal in one. Total comfort food.
BBQ Lentils
Bring something different to your next potluck. Try these BBQ lentils instead of baked beans. Lentils are small, flat legumes used in many Indian and Middle Eastern dishes. Look for them next to other dry beans in the grocery store.
BBQ Pressure Cooker Chicken
Here's a winning recipe that combines my 2 favorite cooking methods. Pressure cooker and grilling! Can't wait till spring to start my grilling again.
BBQ Sauce II
I found this recipe in Consumer Reports last year. It's really good. One of the readers uses all dark molasses, more cayenne, orange zest instead of marmalade, and no liquid smoke for his.
Bean-Dough Cakes
Bean-Dough Cakes from the Recidemia collection
Bean Leaves
Bean Leaves from the Recidemia collection
Bean 'n' Rice Skillet
Bean 'n' Rice Skillet from the Recidemia collection
Bean-n-Sausage Supper
Contributed by PressureCookerRecipes Y-Group
Beans and Mushroom Soup
Beans and Mushroom Soup from the Recidemia collection
Beans and Rice from Cape Verde
Beans and Rice from Cape Verde from the Recidemia collection
Bean Soup
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Source: Come into
Bean Soup with Cornmeal Dumplings in the Crockpot
This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Mclean Estate in Irving, Texas in 1982.
Bean Soup with Meat Balls
* Serves 4 to 6
Bean Tamale Pie
A River of Recipes: Native American Recipes Using Commodity Foods by the USDA Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations, public domain government resource—original source of recipe Serves: 6
Beef and Barley Stew
- This hearty stew can be prepared from freezer to table in under 2 hours. It's easy to prepare ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze for later use.
Beef and French Fries
Vietnamese Beef and French Fries is a meat recipe.
Beef Barley Soup
Beef Barley Soup from the Recidemia collection
Beef Barley Soup II
Beef Barley Soup II from the Recidemia collection
Beef Burgundy Stew with Rice Verte
Makes 4 servings
Beef Burrito Casserole
This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Elmquist Estate in Heath, Texas in 1981.
Beef Croquettes
Beef
Beef 'n' Noodle Skillet
Beef 'n' Noodle Skillet from the Recidemia collection
Beef, Pork and Hominy Stew
Beef, Pork and Hominy Stew
Beef Salad
Beef Salad from the Recidemia collection
Beef Satay
Beef satay Makes me think of Bali! Serve hot or cold. Serves 6.
Beef Wellington with Shallot Relish
by Mongol This is the main course in my entry for ICSA 20. Black Bean and Mushroom Risotto Grilled Asparagus with Shaved Parmesan and Balsamic Reduction Chocolate Mousse Our main dish tonight is Beef Wellington.
Beet Relish
right|Horseradish
Beetroot Cake
Beetroot Cake from the Recidemia collection
Bekhi Murrabossi
Quince jam
Belarusian Milk Soup
Belarusian Milk Soup from the Recidemia collection
Belgian Endive, Spinach, and Radicchio Salad with Mustard Vinaigrette
Who said spinach doesn't taste ?! Please, make this great tasting salad and convert any anti-spinach friends you have ! Enjoy !
Belgian Pretzels
Enjoy this Belgian Pretzels recipe, easy to make and fast to bake!
Belizean Fruit Punch
Belizean Fruit Punch from the Recidemia collection
Belizean Rice and Beans
Belizean Rice and Beans from the Recidemia collection
Belizean Rice Pudding
Belizean Rice Pudding from the Recidemia collection
Bell Pepper Corn Relish
This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Pryor estate in Grapevine, Texas in 1996.
Bellyful
Bellyful from the Recidemia collection
Ben & Jerry's Dastardly Mash Ice Cream
Contributed by Lilly at Catsrecipes Y-Group * 1 Quart
Berkoukes
Pasta bullets with vegetarian sauce
Best-ever Cream of Broccoli Soup
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Source: Kristine M
Best-ever Pot Roast
An hour in a pressure cooker would sure shorten the cooking time. This is cooked on top of the stove and not in the oven.
Best-ever Turkey and Rice Soup
Makes 4 servings
Best Peanut Sauce
Easiest peanut sauce for Chinese-style cooking Original recipe yield: 1 cup.
Bhagi Rice
Spinach rice

Bicol Express
Bicol Express Bicol is always associated with spicy food. The thought of Bicol would send a person's imagination of images and scents of sili (chili pepper) and coconut milk. It holds a special place in the hearts of food-loving Filipinos.