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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-BR.003.0429.001

Warm Gingerbread

Original recipe Makes 25 servings

RCI-VG.001.0651.001

Warm Potato Salad

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Morgan Estate in Austin, Texas in 1982.

RCI-RC.006.0145.001

Warm Quinoa Salad

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Source: Prevention

RCI-SP.003.0730.001

Wasabi Tofu Soup

Serves 6 Wasabi Tofu Soup

RCI-DS.001.0593.001

Washington Pudding

From my Aunt Maggie's Collection, (date on card says 1897).

RCI-MT.004.0835.001

Water-fried Chicken

This recipe comes from a former teacher of mine, Mrs. Watford, and provides an easier, alternative method of cooking chicken for those that want to eat a little healthier.

RCI-DS.002.0201.001

Watermelon ice 2

Watermelon ice 2 from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.002.0203.001

Watermelon Popsicles

Watermelon Popsicles from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.002.0204.001

Watermelon Sherbet

Fruit & Vegetable Recipes II by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe

RCI-BR.006.0373.001

Weight Watchers Chicken Pot Pie

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * WW points: 5 * Ser

RCI-SF.005.0070.001

West African Groundnut Catfish Stew

A Catfish recipe.

RCI-VG.004.1522.001

Western beans and rice

Western beans and rice from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.008.0227.001

Wheat-free Banana Nut Pancakes

Makes 16, 4-inch pancakes.

RCI-VG.004.1538.001

White Bean Soup with Pancetta and Rosemary

Submitted by Timbit Uploaded by Toast Here, under the wire, is my White Bean Soup with Pancetta and Rosemary. I got to thinking about how beans and pork go well together.

RCI-BR.001.0281.001

White Bread

White bread is a staple in North American homes.

RCI-RC.001.0235.001

White Rabbit Coconut Rice

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

RCI-MT.004.0837.001

Whole Cornish Hens with Mango Sauce

.

RCI-BR.001.0283.001

Whole-Wheat Bread

Whole-Wheat Bread is a nourishing, fiber and nutrient rich food.

RCI-BR.001.0285.001

Whole Wheat Cornbread

Whole Wheat Cornbread from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.001.0286.001

Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls

Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.001.0287.001

Whole Wheat Potato Bread

Whole Wheat Potato Bread from the Recidemia collection

RCI-ND.002.0158.001

Whole Wheat Rotini with Spicy Sausage and Mustard Greens

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Mason Estate in Fate, Texas in 1991.

RCI-RC.006.0150.001

Wild Rice Casserole

wild rice slow cooked with veggies.

RCI-RC.006.0151.001

Wild Rice-Cucumber Salad

Wild Rice-Cucumber Salad from the Recidemia collection

RCI-RC.006.0152.001

Wild rice dressing

Wild rice dressing from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.003.0439.001

Wild Rice Muffins

From "Healthy Recipes For Diabetic Friends Y-Group" 12 muffins (1 per serving) Note: Wild rice adds crunchy texture and a nutritional boost to these hearty muffins.

RCI-RC.006.0153.001

Wild Rice-Pine Nut Stuffing

Wild Rice-Pine Nut Stuffing from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SF.001.0396.001

Wild Salmon Rillettes

Thanks to its high oil content, wild salmon—the star of this delicious spread—boasts a rich, creamy flavor and numerous health benefits. If wild salmon is unavailable, you can substitute farm-raised salmon.

RCI-VG.001.0658.001

Wilted Spinach and Rice Salad

Makes 4 servings.

RCI-SC.007.0348.001

Wilton Chocolate Buttercream Icing

Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group * Yield: 3 cups

RCI-SP.003.0732.001

Winter Ham Soup with Blue Cheese

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Gibson Estate in Quinlan, Texas in 1981.

RCI-RC.001.0236.001

Wolof Rice

Steak stew with rice

RCI-ND.004.0041.001

Wonton Soup with Bok Choy

This delicious soup will made 4 -6 servings that shouldn't be missed.

RCI-BR.007.0132.001

World Recipe Danish Pastry

World Recipe Danish Pastry from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.001.0289.001

World Recipe French Bread

World Recipe French Bread from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SC.007.0350.001

World Recipe Icing

World Recipe Icing from the Recidemia collection

RCI-ND.007.0065.001

Wrappers for Wontons or Egg Rolls

This will make a somewhat cruder wrapper than those bought at a supermarket, but it will taste a little better, too, and it will give you the additional satisfaction of knowing you made everything.

RCI-SP.004.0333.001

Yakhnet albatata

Potato Stew

RCI-SP.004.0334.001

Yakhnet Sabanegh

Spinach stew

RCI-SP.004.0335.001

Yakhnit el Kama

Truffle stew

RCI-BR.003.0441.001

Yam Good Biscuits

.

RCI-SP.003.0735.001

Yam Stew

Yam Stew from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.1545.001

Ybor City Black Bean Soup

For details, hints and serving suggestions, go to The Sneaky Kitchen

RCI-SP.003.0737.001

Yeadengware Shorba

Ethiopian Kidney Bean Soup

RCI-BR.001.0290.001

Yeast Bread

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

RCI-VG.004.1546.001

Yellow Rice with Chickpeas

Fruits and Veggies Matter Child Recipe Cards by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, public domain government resource—original source of recipe Indians eat rice with many meals.

RCI-VG.004.1549.001

Yemenite String Bean Soup

Yemenite String Bean Soup from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SF.001.0399.001

Yemeni Whitefish with Red Pepper and Spices

Yemeni Whitefish with Red Pepper and Spices from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.008.0235.001

Ye Mon

A tasty and filling in-between meals recipe.

Yoghurt Bread
RCI-BR.003.0442.001

Yoghurt Bread

Culture