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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-VG.004.0162.001

Bulgogi I

Bulgogi

RCI-MT.005.0044.001

Burmese Potato Cutlets

Makes 4 servings

RCI-SW.003.0015.001

Burrito Mix

Burrito Mix from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.007.0026.001

Butterhorns

I300px|schler Krapferl with Butterhorns

RCI-SP.004.0051.001

Butternut Stew with Tofu, Corn and Pine Nuts

Butternut Stew with Tofu, Corn and Pine Nuts from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.006.0046.001

Butterscotch Pie

My mother obtained from her knitting group in 1952. She said it had been around for years at that point. She is guessing that this is a recipe from the 1920's.

RCI-SC.007.0050.001

Butterscotch Sauce

This recipe came from the Hartman Estate Sale. It was obtained it as part of the purchase of the Fam

RCI-MT.004.0098.001

Buttery Chicken Delight

This recipe came from The Printey Estate sale. It was obtained it as part of the Family Collection from The Printey Estate in Forney, Texas in 2001.

RCI-SC.003.0035.001

C3PO Roasted Garlic Dressing

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

RCI-SP.003.0112.001

Cabbage and Chicken Soup

* Source: The New Soul Food Cookbook for People with Diabetes, published by the American Diabetes As

RCI-SP.003.0114.001

Cabbage and Tofu Dumpling Soup

.

RCI-VG.004.0168.001

Cabbage Casserole

Cabbage Casserole is a warm filling dish, good for large gatherings.

RCI-VG.004.0169.001

Cabbage Casserole III

Cabbage Casserole III from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.005.0021.001

Cabbage Kimchi Soup

This recipe yields 4 servings

Cabbage Rolls
RCI-VG.005.0022.001

Cabbage Rolls

Cabbage rolls is a traditional common side for North American dinners.

RCI-VG.005.0026.001

Cabbage Rolls with Sour Cream Sauce

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Gonzales Estate in Crandall, Texas in 1980.

RCI-SP.003.0116.001

Cabbage Soup from Jordan

Makes about 13 cups.

RCI-SP.003.0117.001

Cabbage Soup I

20 servings.

RCI-SP.003.0118.001

Cabbage Stew

Cabbage Stew from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.004.0099.001

Cacciatore-style Chicken Bake

Cacciatore-style Chicken Bake from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SN.001.0081.001

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.

RCI-BV.008.0014.001

Cafe Royale

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Source: my old rec

RCI-DS.001.0098.001

Cajeta Flan

Cajeta Flan from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SF.001.0058.001

Cajun Catfish Skillet

Makes 4 servings.

RCI-SF.001.0059.001

Cajun Catfish with Sweet Onion Relish

A Catfish recipe. Serves 4.

RCI-MT.004.0102.001

Cajun Chicken and Rice with Veggies and Beans

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Makes 6 servings

RCI-VG.004.0176.001

Cajun Red Beans with Rice

Makes 6 servings

RCI-SP.003.0121.001

Cajun Sausage Soup

Cajun Sausage Soup Hearty, homely soup to feed a large crowd. Great over rice.

RCI-BR.004.0079.001

Cake Diamonds soaked with Syrup

Cake Diamonds soaked with Syrup from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.003.0123.001

Calalou Chez Clara Soup

Calalou Chez Clara Soup from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.001.0013.001

Caldo de Gallina Vieja o de Pollo

Caldo de Gallina Vieja o de Pollo from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.002.0018.001

Calfornia Avocado Scallion Flat Bread

Calfornia Avocado Scallion Flat Bread from the Recidemia collection

RCI-RC.004.0056.001

Calico Vegetable Rice Salad

Makes 6 servings.

RCI-RC.004.0057.001

Caliente Rice

Contributed by PressureCookerRecipes Y-Group

RCI-RC.001.0041.001

California Almond Pilaf

Makes 6 servings.

RCI-SN.005.0002.001

California Avocado-Citrus Tamales With Roasted Pepper and Chipotle Pesto

California Avocado-Citrus Tamales With Roasted Pepper and Chipotle Pesto from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.001.0100.001

California Avocado Fruit Blocks

California Avocado Fruit Blocks from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.006.0048.001

California Avocado Lime Pie with Meringue

California Avocado Lime Pie with Meringue from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.001.0101.001

California Avocado Mousse Melba

California Avocado Mousse Melba from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.002.0032.001

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.

RCI-DS.001.0102.001

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.

RCI-SN.001.0095.001

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.

RCI-SP.003.0125.001

Californian Chicken Noodle Soup

Californian Chicken Noodle Soup from the Recidemia collection

RCI-RC.001.0042.001

Californian Green Rice

Californian Green Rice from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.001.0064.001

California Pot Roast

California Pot Roast from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.0189.001

Callaloo

Serve as a soup or accompanied with rice and boiled ground provisions.

RCI-SP.003.0126.001

Callaloo Cookup

Callaloo Cookup from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.003.0131.001

Callaloo Voodoo

Callaloo Voodoo from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SF.002.0051.001

Camarao Grelhado com Molho Cru

Camarao Grelhado com Molho Cru from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SF.002.0052.001

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.