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 (2,547)
Cacciatore-style Chicken Bake
Cacciatore-style Chicken Bake from the Recidemia collection
Cacik
This refreshing, cold, yogurt and cucumber salad is served with spicy dishes like kebap, as well as everyday Turkish cuisine, primarily in the summer months.
Cafe Royale
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Source: my old rec
Cajeta Flan
Cajeta Flan from the Recidemia collection
Cajun Catfish Skillet
Makes 4 servings.
Cajun Catfish with Sweet Onion Relish
A Catfish recipe. Serves 4.
Cajun Chicken and Rice with Veggies and Beans
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Makes 6 servings
Cajun Red Beans with Rice
Makes 6 servings
Cajun Sausage Soup
Cajun Sausage Soup Hearty, homely soup to feed a large crowd. Great over rice.
Cake Diamonds soaked with Syrup
Cake Diamonds soaked with Syrup from the Recidemia collection
Calalou Chez Clara Soup
Calalou Chez Clara Soup from the Recidemia collection
Calfornia Avocado Scallion Flat Bread
Calfornia Avocado Scallion Flat Bread from the Recidemia collection
Calico Vegetable Rice Salad
Makes 6 servings.
Caliente Rice
Contributed by PressureCookerRecipes Y-Group
California Almond Pilaf
Makes 6 servings.
California Avocado-Citrus Tamales With Roasted Pepper and Chipotle Pesto
California Avocado-Citrus Tamales With Roasted Pepper and Chipotle Pesto from the Recidemia collection
California Avocado Fruit Blocks
California Avocado Fruit Blocks from the Recidemia collection
California Avocado Lime Pie with Meringue
California Avocado Lime Pie with Meringue from the Recidemia collection
California Avocado Mousse Melba
California Avocado Mousse Melba from the Recidemia collection
California Avocado-Seafood Chowder
Is your soup menu a snooze? Consider this distinctive seafood chowder where California avocados act as a rich and colorful wake-up call.
California Avocado Soufflé
A cold sweet souffle with natural unfussed elegance. A lovely dessert for a formal menu and the making of a simple one.
California Goat Cheese Pesto
The taste of soft goat cheese is more present in this California version of pesto than Parmigiano-Reggiano is in a basil pesto. Consider it a multidimensional recipe: dip, sauce and spread.
Californian Chicken Noodle Soup
Californian Chicken Noodle Soup from the Recidemia collection
Californian Green Rice
Californian Green Rice from the Recidemia collection
California Pot Roast
California Pot Roast from the Recidemia collection
Callaloo
Serve as a soup or accompanied with rice and boiled ground provisions.
Callaloo Cookup
Callaloo Cookup from the Recidemia collection
Callaloo Voodoo
Callaloo Voodoo from the Recidemia collection
Camarao Grelhado com Molho Cru
Camarao Grelhado com Molho Cru from the Recidemia collection
Camarao Mozambique
Portuguese-style shrimp. This is a delicious and quick Shrimp saute using typical Portuguese ingredients like red wine and plenty of garlic and parsley.
Cambodian Marinated Beef with Lime Sauce
* Serves 4
Camper's Stew with Rice
Makes 6 servings.
Canadian Cabbage Pickles
This one of a kind recipe, cabbage pickles, will pickle you with taste in your dreams ! Try this one, heaven on earth for every vegetarion !
Candied Banana Fritters
Candied Banana Fritters from the Recidemia collection
Candied Yams I
* Source: How to Cook for People with Diabetes *
Candy Apples
Candy Apples are North American treats for the holidays, especially prominent for Halloween.
Candy Easter Eggs
These are good and they will disappear quickly. Makes 13 small eggs or 2 (1 pound) eggs or 3 small.
Canja de Galinha
Chicken soup with lemon and mint Serves 6 to 8
Cappell's Chicken Scampi
Cook Time: 20 minutes Serves: 4
Carambola and Ginger Drink
Caramel Corn
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Makes 2½ quarts
Caramelized Carrots
Serves 8 Caramelized Carrots
Caramel Pecan Pie
Caramel Pecan Pie from the Recidemia collection
Caramel Sauce
Caramel Sauce from the Recidemia collection
Caramels or Chocolate Caramels
Caramels or Chocolate Caramels from the Recidemia collection
Caramel - Swirl Hot Chocolate
Caramel - Swirl Hot Chocolate from the Recidemia collection
Caramel Vanilla Latte
Caramel Vanilla Latte from the Recidemia collection
Caraway Rice
This is a recipe I obtained from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Hager estate in Canton, Texas in 1982.
Cardamom-infused Chicken with Rice
This dish is my ultimate comfort food. Its commonly eaten in winter and during the month of Ramadan for the predawn breakfast,but for me its a regular at least 2 or 3 times a month. Its always served with doggos (Saudi salsa).
Caribbean Banana Bread
Always check the ingredients to make sure the product is vegan.