
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)
Yogi's Bowl
When made in bulk, this chili can readily be frozen.
Yogurt Pops
Eat all you want of these creamy, delicious treats. If the kids don't beat you to them!
Yokahula Mango Kuchen
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Yookgaejang
Spicy beef, scallion soup Yookgaejang (Spicy beef, scallion soup)
Young Fruit Punch
Yield:20 servings (5 quarts)
Yukkai Jang
Hot Chili Beef and Onion Soup. This chili-red soup is exceptionally hot. It is said that the time to serve it is in the hottest months, when the perspiration it induces has a cooling effect on the diner.
Yummy Choco-Honey Balls and Shapes
Kids love chocolate, but you can’t always let them indulge in it. carob powder is a healthy alternative to cocoa, chocolate and coffee because it has high B complex and A vitamins.
Yummy Chocolate Pudding
Yummy Chocolate Pudding from the Recidemia collection
Yushka
Fish soup
Zalabiya -- Yemenite Chanuka Doughnuts
Zalabiya -- Yemenite Chanuka Doughnuts from the Recidemia collection
Zambian Chicken Stew
Zambian chicken stew. Serves 4 - 6.
Zesty Black-eyed Peas
Spice up your veggie offering with some black-eyed peas that have some kick.
Zesty Chicken and Rice
Makes 4 servings.
Zesty Citrus Vinaigrette
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * This recipe yields
Zesty Slow-cooker Pot Roast
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Source: South Idah
Zhi Ma Hu
Black sesame gruel
Zigni We't
Zigni We't from the Recidemia collection
Zucchini Curry
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