
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)
Bienmesabe
This popular and tasty dessert makes 10 portions.
Bife a Cardoso
A typical Mozambican dish, in which the Portuguese influence is evident.
Big League Black Bean Soup
Makes 6 (1⅓ cup) servings
Binagoongan
Sautéed pork from the Philippines.
Binagoongang Baboy
Pork cooked with Shrimp paste.
Bint al Sahn
Honey cake. The traditional way of eating this is to break off pieces with the fingertips and dip into butter and honey that remains on the serving platter.
Biryani Badshahi
Ethnicity - Mughlai, North Indian Type of meal - Party, Lunch, Dinner
Biscuit Gravy
), grits, red beans and rice, toast and jam, etc.
Biscutlus
Biscutlus from the Recidemia collection
Bis Haluvaa
Bis Haluvaa from the Recidemia collection
Bison Chili
Bison, Grain-Fed Frozen, Ground or Stew Meat by the US Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe Serves: 7
Bison Stew
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
Black Bean Casserole Ole
Black Bean Casserole Ole from the Recidemia collection
Black Bean Chili
American Cuisine | Vegetarian Cuisine | Beans | Chili
Black Bean Pistou Soup
.
Black Bean Soup with Tomato-Tomatillo Salsa
Black Bean Soup with Tomato-Tomatillo Salsa
Blackberry Salsa
This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Pryor estate in Grapevine, Texas in 1996.
Black Currant and Rhubarb Jam
Black Currant and Rhubarb Jam from the Recidemia collection
Black-eyed Pea and Rice Dressing
Peas, Black-Eyed Dry by the US Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe Makes an excellent stuffing for chicken or can be served as a side dish.
Black-eyed Pea Croquettes
Black-eyed Pea Croquettes from the Recidemia collection
Black-eyed Pea Fritters
Black-eyed Pea Fritters from the Recidemia collection
Black-eyed Peas and Rice
Black-eyed Peas and Rice from the Recidemia collection
Black-peppered chicken spaghetti
Black-peppered chicken spaghetti from the Recidemia collection
Black Pepper Syrup
Black Pepper Syrup from the Recidemia collection
Black Rice Pudding
Black Rice Pudding from the Recidemia collection
Black Rye Bread
Black Rye Bread from the Recidemia collection
Blehat Lahma
Lamb loaves with apricots and egg Serves 6 to 8
Blond Brownies
Blond Brownies from the Recidemia collection
Blueberry Amaretto Sauce
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.
Blueberry and Rhubarb Jam
Blueberry and Rhubarb Jam from the Recidemia collection
Blueberry Bread Pudding
Contributed by Pressurecookerrecipes Y-Group
Blueberry Grunt Recipe
Blueberry Grunt Recipe from the Recidemia collection
Blueberry, Orange Bread Pudding with Strawberry, Rhubarb Sauce
This Recipe is From The April 2002 Chef of The Month Interview with Arlene Ward.
Blue Corn Pan Bread
A River of Recipes: Native American Recipes Using Commodity Foods by the USDA Food Distribution Program on Native American Reservations
Blue Corn Porridge
A River of Recipes: Native American Recipes Using Commodity Foods by the USDA Using Commodity Foods, public domain government resource—original source of recipe Serves: 8
Blue Ribbon Caribbean Salsa Chicken
I found this recipe while surfing the internet for Blue Ribbon Recipes and thought I would share it..
Bohemian Girl Mac 'n Cheese
Always check the ingredients to make sure the product is vegan.
Boiled Beef with Horeradish Sauce
Boiled Beef with Horeradish Sauce..Austrian
Boiled Black-eyed Peas
Contributed by Jenn B aka Mom2Sam and Tiny at
Boiled Custard
Serve over pound cake or Jell-O.
Boiled Fish Guyanese-style
Boiled Fish Guyanese-style from the Recidemia collection
Boiled Shrimp (for salads)
This is an easy way to prepare shrimp for salads or to serve cold with cocktail sauce. Recipe adapted from The New High Altitude Cookbook.
Boko Boko Harees
Wheat paste food
Bolivian Chowder
Bolivian Chowder from the Recidemia collection
Bolivian Pea Soup
Bolivian Pea Soup from the Recidemia collection
Bollo de Pescado
Bollo de Pescado from the Recidemia collection
Boneless Baked Shad
: 6
Boniatillo
Sweet potato paste.
Borsch
Beet soup Can be prepared in 40 minutes serves 4
Boston Cookies
Boston Cookies from the Recidemia collection