
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)
USDA Beef Stew
Beef stew is a thrifty, tasty and tummy warming dish perfect for a cold day. Enjoy the stew with some homemade biscuits or corn bread.
Valentine Pineapple Dessert
Contributed by Jenn b aka Mom2sam and Tiny at World Re
Varenga
Varenga (Roast Shredded Beef) - Serves 4-6
Varm Frugtsuppe
Warm Fruit Soup - Serves 6 Warm Fruit Soup - Varm Frugtsuppe
Veal with lima beans
Veal with lima beans is an Albanian dish.
Vegan Brownies
Vegan Brownies from the Recidemia collection
Vegan Butter
Always check the ingredients to make sure the product is vegan.
Vegan Feta Cheese
Vegan Feta Cheese
Vegan Gravy
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Vegetable Balls in Barbecue Sauce
This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Gingham Estate in Fort Worth, Texas in 1992.
Vegetable Bean Minestrone Soup
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group
Vegetable Beef Soup
Vegetable Beef Soup from the Recidemia collection
Vegetable Couscous
Vegetable Couscous from the Public Health Cookbook by the Seattle & King County Department of Public Health—original source of recipe, public domain government resource Serves: 4
Vegetable Curry I
Vegetable curry
Vegetable Gumbo
Updated old family favorite - Alice in Houston via A.Broaddus
Vegetable Oil Pastry Shell
Here's an old recipe from the USDA that maybe heart healthy as it uses vegetable oil to make a pie crust.
Vegetable Paella I
Vegetable Paella I from the Recidemia collection
Vegetable Party Sandwiches
American cuisine | Bread
Vegetable Rice Soup
Makes 6 servings.
Vegetable soup
Vegetable soup is a soup made from vegetables. Many different recipes and variations are possible.
Vegetable Soup
Vegetable soup is a soup made from vegetables. Many different recipes and variations are possible.
Vegetable-stuffed Omelets with Ginger Sauce
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group
Vegetables with Sweet Potatoes and Eggplant Curry
A delightful vegetarian curry that will loved by all, vegetarian or not!
Vegetarian Bean Soup
American cuisine | Vegetarian Cuisine | Soups
Vegetarian Crumbles Chili
From: The Duke Diet Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 35 minutes Servings: 4
Vegetarian Fajitas
Vegetarian Fajitas
Vegetarian Jumbalya
Vegetarian Jumbalya
Vegetarian Pepper Bowls
Recipe from United Soybean Board
Vegetarians Chili
Vegetarians chili
Vegetarian Shepherd's Pie
right|VegetarianShepherdsPie
Vegetarian Shepherd's Pie I
Vegetarian Shepherd's Pie is a vegetarian Vietnamese recipe.
Venison Italian Soup
Ground venison is sautéed with onion and garlic and added to this tomato based soup with Italian seasonings, pinto beans, vegetables and ziti pasta. To lower the carbs on this leave out the pasta or use a low carb alternative.
Venison or Beef Steak Marinade
DH makes this and I copied his recipe as close as I can since he won't tell me what is in it. I use this all the time for venison steaks and chops and sometimes for beef but we don't eat that as often.
Very Berry Sorbet
* Source: Better Homes and Gardens - diabetic Living Diet Online * Total Time: 10 Minutes * Servings
Vichyssoise New Guinea
Vichyssoise New Guinea from the Recidemia collection
Vidalia Onion Dip
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group
Vidalia Onion Relish
This Recipe Came From my Aunt Maggie's Collection. i Obtained ThisRecipe When i Inherited The Family Collection in 1980. This One is aFamily Favorite And One i Always Have on hand.
Viennese Beef Soup
Viennese Beef Soup 2 hours preparation 10 servings.
Viennese Cake
1 Layer Cake, 60 minutes preparation.
Viennese Goulash
Viennese Goulash A different goulash.
Vin de Cerises
Homemade cherry wine From "Catsrecipes Y-Group"
Vipava Soup
10 servings
Vorschmack
has long traditions in Finnish cuisine. Vorschmack can be served as an everyday meal, as well as a festive speciality. To be served heated, with pickled beetroot in vinegar, pickled cucumber and sour cream.
Vosi Hnizda
Vosi Hnizda Czech Christmas sweets. This is as common in the Czech Republic as Mexican wedding cakes / Russian tea cakes are in the USA.
Wacky Buttermilk Cake
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group
Wacky cake
Wacky cake from the Recidemia collection
Wacky Cupcakes
Wacky Cupcakes from the Recidemia collection
Waffles or Pancakes
Waffles or Pancakes
Walnut Barley
Walnut Barley from the Recidemia collection
Warm Double Strawberry Sauce
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