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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-SP.005.0264.001

Toenjang Tofu and Vegetable Stew

Toenjang Tofu and Vegetable Stew from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.1433.001

Tofu and Broccoli Stir-fry

Tofu and Broccoli Stir-fry from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.1435.001

Tofu and Mushroom Delight

Recipe from United Soybean Board

RCI-SN.001.0407.001

Tofu Cream Cheese

Tofu Cream Cheese from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.1436.001

Tofu Cutlets

Tofu Cutlets from the Recidemia collection

RCI-RC.002.0037.001

Tomato and Cheese Risotto

Makes 4 servings.

RCI-SP.004.0308.001

Tomato Bredie

Tomato stew. South African Bredie is a stew with a thick gravy. The bredie improves with keeping. Prepare a day in advance and leave to mature in the refrigerator.

RCI-VG.005.0268.001

Tomatoes stuffed with Bulgur and Pine Nuts

Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group This Y-group is

RCI-ND.001.0123.001

Tomato sauce for Pasta (with Commanderia)

A deliciously smooth, rich and slightly sweet tomato sauce which is suitable for pasta or as a base for any other tomato rich dish. It also makes a nice pizza base sauce or adds a new dimension to a spaghetti bolognaise.

RCI-BR.001.0276.001

Tommorrow's Doughnut

Always check the ingredients to make sure the product is vegan.

RCI-ND.005.0168.001

Tonkotsu Ramen

is ramen noodles served in rich and fatty pork broth usually garnished with a variation of toppings (most of the time pork cutlets, green onions, and hard-boiled eggs split in two). There are many variations to this recipe.

RCI-BR.002.0106.001

Tortilla Black Bean Soup

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Barger Estate in Mckinney, Texas in 1997.

RCI-SP.003.0696.001

Toscana Soup

I love this soup! This is a copy of Olive Garden soup. For diabetes it is fine as is in moderation, but I also make it low fat. Enjoy From "Healthy Recipes For Diabetic Friends Y-Group" Source of Recipe: Lhj Makes 6 Servings.

RCI-SP.004.0309.001

Traditional Beef Stew

Estimated Prep Time: 10 Minutes Estimated Cooking Time: 46 Minutes Total: 56 Minutes Serves 8 Source: Fagor America, contributed by Pressurecookerrecipes Y-Group

RCI-SF.001.0373.001

Traditional Tuna Casserole

Traditional - A simple, quick-to-make meal, mentioned by Garrison Keillor on A Prairie Home Companion.

RCI-RC.006.0136.001

Trahanas Xinos

Trahanas Xinos (Sour Frumenty) is a traditional Greek recipe for a classic soup of cracked wheat cooked in water flavoured with olive oil and passata that's served topped with butter and cheese.

RCI-VG.004.1454.001

Trees and Snow

Trees and Snow from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0631.001

Triangular Dumplings

In Romanian: Cornulete

RCI-SC.007.0330.001

Trinidad Pepper Sauce

Trinidad Pepper Sauce from the Recidemia collection

Tripe and Beans
RCI-VG.004.1456.001

Tripe and Beans

RCI-SP.004.0312.001

Tripe Stew

In Romanian: Tuslama de burta

RCI-MT.004.0811.001

Tropical Coconut Chicken

Tropical Coconut Chicken from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BV.006.0030.001

Tropical fish punch

Tropical fish punch from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BV.007.0169.001

Tropical Fruit Shake

A rich tastefull smoothie.

RCI-MT.004.0812.001

Tropical Island Chicken

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Source: Taste of H

RCI-DS.001.0577.001

Tropical Tofu-Rice Pudding

Makes 10 servings.

RCI-SP.004.0314.001

Tsebhi Dorho

Tsebhi Dorho from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.005.0276.001

Tsebhi Zegni

Spiced beef stew

RCI-SN.002.0296.001

Tulumba

250px|right|Tulumba Tulumba (fried pastry with syrup) is a type of dessert made from lumps of unleavened dough (about 5cm long). which are given a small ovoid shape with ridges along it using a special nozzle of an 'icing' bag.

RCI-RC.001.0225.001

Tuna Pilaf

Yield: 8 servings

RCI-RC.004.0309.001

Tuna Rice Casserole

- A simple, quick-to-make meal, even kids can make!

RCI-SF.005.0067.001

Tunisian Aromatic Fish Soup with Potatoes

Aromatic Soup with potatoes

RCI-VG.002.0196.001

Tunisian carrot salad

Tunisian carrot salad

RCI-RC.006.0137.001

Tunisian Couscous Salad with Grilled Sausages

Tunisian couscous Salad with Grilled Sausages

RCI-RC.006.0139.001

Tunisian Farka

Tunisian Farka, Serves 8

RCI-SP.003.0699.001

Tunisian Vegetable Stew with Saffron and Noodles

Like minestrone, there are many versions of this Tunisian soup also known as Chorba b'Hodra. It is also made with meat, and if you wish to do that, brown ½ to 1 pound cubed beef or lamb with the onions and spices.

RCI-SP.003.0701.001

Turkey Gumbo

Turkey Gumbo from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.003.0703.001

Turkey Meatball Soup

This recipe comes from a nurse friend. She brought this to me a few years ago when I had minor surgery. This was so comforting. I now make this for friends who need a pot full of love and comfort when times are tough.

RCI-MT.004.0825.001

Turkey Rice Parmesan

Makes 6 servings.

RCI-VG.004.1464.001

Turkish-style Green Beans with Leeks and Carrots

Turkish-style Green Beans with Leeks and Carrots from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.003.0705.001

Tuscan Soup (Meatless)

(Meatless) Tuscan Soup

RCI-VG.004.1471.001

Two-bean Salad with Ginger-Lime Dressing

Two-bean Salad with Ginger-Lime Dressing from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.1472.001

Two-chile Green Rice

Two-chile Green Rice from the Recidemia collection

RCI-RC.005.0090.001

Ugali

Ugali is a staple dish in Kenya - a porridge-like starch made with maize meal (corn).

RCI-RC.005.0091.001

Ugali (Stiff Porridge)

Stiff porridge is made in the same way as thin porridge but greater proportion of meal is used. The same comments about the flour used for thin porridge apply here.

RCI-SP.001.0144.001

Ukha

Ukha from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.1473.001

Ukrainian Borscht

Ukrainian Cuisine is a vegetable soup with beetroots as its characteristic ingredient.

RCI-MT.005.0326.001

Unforgettable Ham Balls

I got a new cookbook from my sister-in-law — Jack Daniel's Cookbook, The Spirit of Tennessee. I'm going to share one. From "Catsrecipes Y-Group" Makes 20 – 25 Meatballs.

RCI-SP.003.0710.001

Unique Healthy Chili

* Source: www.sparkpeople.com submitted by SparkPeople user LONGWAY2GO. * Number of Servings: 6

RCI-MT.001.0296.001

U Ponnya's Nwa Mee Hinga

U Ponnya's Nwa mee Hinga (Burmese Oxtail and Watercress Soup) has an unconventional flavor due to the combination of oxtail and watercress. Serves 4 people.