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water

water

OtherYear-round

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)

RCI-SN.002.0285.001

Tangy Paneer Pakodas

Cottage cheese fritters

RCI-SP.003.0666.001

Tanzanian Chicken Soup

Tanzanian Chicken Soup

RCI-RC.006.0131.001

Tanzanian Couscous Salad

Tanzanian couscous Salad

RCI-PF.002.0004.001

Tapai

also (pronounced "tah-pay"), is a traditional fermented food of Indonesia, although present in some form throughout South-East Asia.

RCI-SN.001.0389.001

Taramasalata I

Greek fish roe dip. This creamy, mayonnaise-like dip is made from tarama, cod, or mullet roe which is salted like caviar (which is sturgeon roe), but is much less expensive.

RCI-SP.006.0067.001

Tarator

Tarator from the Recidemia collection

Tartlets
RCI-BR.006.0339.001

Tartlets

Tartlets

RCI-BR.001.0274.001

Tastes Like Avanti Bread

From Menu and Recipes Week 10/7/07 From "Catsrecipes Y-Group"

RCI-VG.003.0111.001

Tasty Black-eyed Pea Salad

This salad recipe and the others following are originals that i have been making for sometime. Most folk seem to enjoy them.

RCI-SP.001.0138.001

Tasty leaf soup

Tasty leaf soup from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.003.0667.001

Tatwsrhost

Welsh Stew

Taway kay Kabab
RCI-MT.003.0097.001

Taway kay Kabab

Lamb Kebab right|Name of the Recipe

RCI-EG.004.0069.001

Tea Eggs

Cuisines | East Asian cuisines | Cuisine of Taiwan

RCI-BV.008.0079.001

Tea Latte

Contributed by Stephen Ceideburg * Makes 6 servings

RCI-BR.005.0619.001

Teething Cookies

Teething Cookies from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SN.003.0268.001

Tempeh mock chicken salad (vegan)

Tempeh mock chicken salad (vegan) from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.001.0555.001

Tempt Me Peach Parfait

This is a recipe I obtained from an Estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Manes Estate in Venus, Texas in 1981.

RCI-SC.003.0194.001

Tempura Wasabi Crisps

Makes Lots Tempura Wasabi Crisps

RCI-SN.002.0287.001

Tequeno

TEQUEÑOS. Yields 12 tequeños This highly addictive appetizer originated in Los Teques, Venezuela (hence the name).

RCI-SF.001.0367.001

Teriyaki Grilled Salmon Steaks

– Servings: 5.3 Serving size: 3 ounces Yield: 16 ounces

RCI-MT.002.0300.001

Teriyaki Pork Roast

My Mom makes this and Mom's Rosemary Pork Roast and I have tried both of them and they are delicious.

RCI-MT.001.0287.001

Texas Oven Brisket

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group

RCI-SP.003.0671.001

Texas Truck Stop Chili

This recipe came from the Hartman Estate Sale. It was obtained it as part of the purchase of the Family Collection from the Hartman Estate in Arlington, Texas in 1984.

RCI-VG.004.1412.001

Tex-Mex Beans with Cornmeal Dumplings

Tex-Mex Beans with Cornmeal Dumplings from the Recidemia collection

RCI-RC.004.0298.001

Tex-Mex Chicken and Rice Casserole

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Makes 6 servings

RCI-BR.001.0275.001

Tex-Mex Pizza

Contributed by Jenn B aka Mom2Sam and Tiny at World Re

RCI-VG.001.0605.001

THAI CHICKEN SALAD

Makes 6 servings.

RCI-SP.005.0255.001

Thai Coconut Pumpkin Soup

This dish is called "Gaeng Liang Fak Thong" in Thai. In English it's just called tasty.

RCI-SN.003.0271.001

Thai Green Mango and Pork Platter

Thai Green Mango and Pork Platter from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BV.009.0084.001

Thai Lemonade

This is the Thai version of lemonade. Serves four.

RCI-DS.001.0560.001

Thai Red Rubies

This is a famous Thai dessert made from water chestnuts. The preparation time includes refrigeration time.

RCI-SC.006.0037.001

Thai Soynut Butter Sauce

Thai Soynut Butter Sauce from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SC.007.0325.001

Thanksgiving Turkey Coating

This will do about a 13 – 15 lb turkey. Other seasonings are to taste. I never did measure. This is a coating you can put on all poultry before roasting. Notice that this does not have any gravy master or oil. Both unneeded in my opinion.

RCI-SW.003.0084.001

The Big Burrito

Makes 6 servings.

RCI-BR.005.0622.001

The “Fingers of Cyprus”

The “Fingers of Cyprus” from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SC.007.0326.001

The Kentucky Fried Chicken Marinade

The Original Recipe is not packaged in three different places. The way it is cooked and the process makes it taste like it has eleven herbs and spices when in reality there is not.

RCI-SP.003.0679.001

Thiou à la Viande

" We found it in a tiny restaurant off on a side street seating just ten or twelve people, and the price was just 35 cents. Served in a huge enamel bowl, there was enough stew for three. It was delicious.

RCI-MT.005.0312.001

Thit Bo Cuon La Luop

Vietnamese beef in grape leaves. When you go out camping you can cook them and serve them.

RCI-SC.003.0195.002

Thousand Island Dressing

Thousand Island Dressing is a salad dressing commonly used with green salads. It can also be used as a sandwich spread, or many other uses.

RCI-BV.006.0029.001

Three Fruit Punch

Three Fruit Punch from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.004.0291.001

Three-melon Melange

Three-melon Melange from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.1427.001

Tibetan incense

Tibetan incense

RCI-VG.004.1428.001

Tibetan Lentil Soup

This is a simple, healthy, and unusually spiced soup. It is really satisfying.

RCI-VG.004.1429.001

Tibetan Noodles with Vegetables

Called Tse Ping, this is a vegetarian version of a dish often served at weddings and other Tibetan celebrations.

RCI-MT.002.0304.001

Tien Soan Yu

Sweet and sour fish.

RCI-SF.001.0371.001

Tirk Kreoung Pahok

Tirk Kreoung Pahok from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SC.006.0038.001

Tirk umpel

Tirk umpel from the Recidemia collection

RCI-RC.006.0133.001

Toasted Corn and Bulgur Salad

I obtained this recipe from an estate sale when I purchased the family collection from the Sullivan Estate in Dallas, Texas in 1988.

RCI-SW.003.0087.001

Toasted Pumpkin Seeds

Toasted pumpkin seeds a tasty fall treat.

RCI-DS.001.0570.001

Tocino del Cielo

Bacon from heaven.