Skip to content
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-VG.004.0114.001

Boston-like Baked Beans

Contributed by Pressurecookerrecipes Y-Group

RCI-MT.001.0056.001

Bottom Round Roast

For a 10-quart pressure cooker. Licious, The Original Taste-Gooder.

Bouillabaisse
RCI-SF.005.0006.001

Bouillabaisse

Bouillabaisse Contributed by PressureCookerRecipes Y-Group

RCI-RC.005.0015.001

Bouillie

Bouillie from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SN.004.0018.001

Bourbon Pecans

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Love Estate in Sachse, Texas in 1984.

RCI-BV.005.0017.001

Brandy Alexander and Variations

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Source: Family Cir

RCI-BR.004.0072.001

Brandy Tart

Brandy Tart from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.003.0100.001

Bran Muffin

Bran muffins are hearty and delicious little baked snacks.

RCI-VG.004.0116.001

Brazilian Black Bean Soup

Vegan Cuisine

RCI-BR.004.0073.001

Brazilian Bolo Bedbado Drunken Cake

Brazilian Bolo Bedbado Drunken Cake from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.005.0016.001

Bread and Butter Pickles

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Source: Marlboro C

RCI-BR.001.0033.001

Bread Machine English Muffins

Write a description of your recipe here. If you don't have one, you can delete this section. These freeze well and can be reheated in the microwave or toasted.

RCI-VG.003.0051.001

Breakfast Bakes

Breakfast Bakes from the Recidemia collection

RCI-RC.005.0017.001

Breakfast Porridge

Breakfast Porridge from the Recidemia collection

RCI-RC.005.0018.001

Breakfast Rice

Breakfast Rice from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.003.0103.001

Breakfast Scones

Breakfast Scones from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BV.008.0009.001

Breakfast Tea

Breakfast Tea from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.006.0007.001

Brine Smoked Chickens

Purchased from the Rosenthal Estate in Montgomery, Alabama in 1989. Dated 1966. Notation on card indicates this is Michael's specialty and served with cole slaw and corn salsa.

RCI-BR.001.0034.001

Brioche Braid

Brioche braid Makes 1 loaf.

RCI-SP.002.0020.001

Broccoli and Parsnip Soup

This is a healthy and delicious soup. Use vegetable stock instead chicken stock and you've got a vegetarian soup.

RCI-SP.002.0021.001

Broccoli Cheese Soup

I love broccoli cheese soup, but I am a really picky eater and I never found a recipe that I completely liked, so a couple of years ago I combined what I liked out of three different recipes and came up with this one. Even the kids request it often.

RCI-EG.003.0023.001

Broccoli Kugel

Broccoli Kugel from the Recidemia collection

RCI-EG.003.0024.001

Broccoli-Walnut Ring

Broccoli-Walnut Ring from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.0138.001

Broccoli with Garlic

Broccoli with Garlic from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.001.0091.001

Broiled Butterscotch Rice Pudding

Makes 6 servings.

RCI-DS.002.0027.001

Broiled Plums with Mango Sorbet

Broiled Plums with Mango Sorbet from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.001.0036.001

Brötchen

Makes 12 rolls Brötchen

RCI-VG.004.0144.001

Brown Beans

Brown Beans

RCI-VG.004.0145.001

Brown Bean Soup

A traditional soup, it can be made very basic and varied by additional ingredients. It is very filling and is often eaten here as a main dish with bread. The brown beans we use are also known as Swedish brown beans.

RCI-BR.001.0037.001

Brown Bread

Brown Bread from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SF.005.0007.001

Brown Fish Stew

300px| Brown Fish Stew

RCI-BR.005.0084.001

Brownie Caramel Pecan Bars

Makes about 16 bars.

RCI-BR.006.0045.001

Brownie Pie à la Mode

Makes 8 to 10 servings and about 1½ cups sauce

RCI-BR.005.0086.001

Brownies and Chocolate-Raspberry Fondue

Double your chocolate pleasure with a two-ingredient microwave chocolate fondue and fudgy brownie dippers.

RCI-VG.004.0150.001

Brown Rice and Lentil Stew

Makes 4 servings.

RCI-SN.004.0019.001

Brown Rice and Wheat Berries

Brown Rice and Wheat Berries from the Recidemia collection

RCI-RC.001.0038.001

Brown Rice Rapture

Recipe reprinted with permission from HealthRecipes.com

RCI-BR.003.0110.001

Bruchella Passover Rolls

Bruchella Passover Rolls from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.004.0090.001

Bruschetta Chicken Bake

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Source: South Idah

RCI-DS.001.0094.001

Bubur Candil

are traditional Indonesian glutinous rice balls in a sweet soup

RCI-ND.002.0009.001

Bucatini alla Carbonara

Cook Time: 20 minutes Serves: 6

RCI-BR.008.0035.001

Buckwheat Banana Pancakes with Blueberry Sauce

Buckwheat Banana Pancakes with Blueberry Sauce from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.008.0036.001

Buckwheat Pancakes

* Source: dLife

RCI-SP.003.0109.001

Buffalo Chili

Buffalo Chili from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.004.0093.002

Buffalo Wings

Contributed by Cat's Recipes Y-Group * Makes 24

RCI-SP.004.0049.001

Bulalo

Bulalo is one such favorite soup and the hotter it is the better. It is best complemented by the marrow that is tapped out of the bone. This delightful Beef soup is a specialty of the cattle-raising region in the province of Batangas.

RCI-SN.002.0063.001

Bulanee

Bulanee from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SF.005.0008.001

Bulanglang

Bulanglang is a healthy vegetarian dish well known in the Philippines. The manner of preparing it varies in different regions.

RCI-VG.004.0161.001

Bulgher Burger

A is a tasty vegetarian patty for use in sandwiches.

RCI-RC.006.0025.001

Bulghur Salad with Banana and Cashews

Bulghur Salad with Banana and Cashews from the Recidemia collection