
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)
Toenjang Tofu and Vegetable Stew
Toenjang Tofu and Vegetable Stew from the Recidemia collection
Tofu and Broccoli Stir-fry
Tofu and Broccoli Stir-fry from the Recidemia collection
Tofu and Mushroom Delight
Recipe from United Soybean Board
Tofu Cream Cheese
Tofu Cream Cheese from the Recidemia collection
Tofu Cutlets
Tofu Cutlets from the Recidemia collection
Tomato and Cheese Risotto
Makes 4 servings.
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.
Tomatoes stuffed with Bulgur and Pine Nuts
Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group This Y-group is
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.
Tommorrow's Doughnut
Always check the ingredients to make sure the product is vegan.
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.
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.
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.
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
Traditional Tuna Casserole
Traditional - A simple, quick-to-make meal, mentioned by Garrison Keillor on A Prairie Home Companion.
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.
Trees and Snow
Trees and Snow from the Recidemia collection
Triangular Dumplings
In Romanian: Cornulete
Trinidad Pepper Sauce
Trinidad Pepper Sauce from the Recidemia collection

Tripe and Beans
Tripe Stew
In Romanian: Tuslama de burta
Tropical Coconut Chicken
Tropical Coconut Chicken from the Recidemia collection
Tropical fish punch
Tropical fish punch from the Recidemia collection
Tropical Fruit Shake
A rich tastefull smoothie.
Tropical Island Chicken
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Source: Taste of H
Tropical Tofu-Rice Pudding
Makes 10 servings.
Tsebhi Dorho
Tsebhi Dorho from the Recidemia collection
Tsebhi Zegni
Spiced beef stew
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.
Tuna Pilaf
Yield: 8 servings
Tuna Rice Casserole
- A simple, quick-to-make meal, even kids can make!
Tunisian Aromatic Fish Soup with Potatoes
Aromatic Soup with potatoes
Tunisian carrot salad
Tunisian carrot salad
Tunisian Couscous Salad with Grilled Sausages
Tunisian couscous Salad with Grilled Sausages
Tunisian Farka
Tunisian Farka, Serves 8
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.
Turkey Gumbo
Turkey Gumbo from the Recidemia collection
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.
Turkey Rice Parmesan
Makes 6 servings.
Turkish-style Green Beans with Leeks and Carrots
Turkish-style Green Beans with Leeks and Carrots from the Recidemia collection
Tuscan Soup (Meatless)
(Meatless) Tuscan Soup
Two-bean Salad with Ginger-Lime Dressing
Two-bean Salad with Ginger-Lime Dressing from the Recidemia collection
Two-chile Green Rice
Two-chile Green Rice from the Recidemia collection
Ugali
Ugali is a staple dish in Kenya - a porridge-like starch made with maize meal (corn).
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.
Ukha
Ukha from the Recidemia collection
Ukrainian Borscht
Ukrainian Cuisine is a vegetable soup with beetroots as its characteristic ingredient.
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.
Unique Healthy Chili
* Source: www.sparkpeople.com submitted by SparkPeople user LONGWAY2GO. * Number of Servings: 6
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.