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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-MT.001.0066.001

Cambodian Marinated Beef with Lime Sauce

* Serves 4

RCI-SP.003.0135.001

Camper's Stew with Rice

Makes 6 servings.

RCI-VG.005.0030.001

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 !

RCI-SN.002.0071.001

Candied Banana Fritters

Candied Banana Fritters from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.002.0026.001

Candied Yams I

* Source: How to Cook for People with Diabetes *

RCI-DS.003.0033.001

Candy Apples

Candy Apples are North American treats for the holidays, especially prominent for Halloween.

RCI-DS.003.0035.001

Candy Easter Eggs

These are good and they will disappear quickly. Makes 13 small eggs or 2 (1 pound) eggs or 3 small.

RCI-SP.001.0014.001

Canja de Galinha

Chicken soup with lemon and mint Serves 6 to 8

RCI-MT.004.0115.001

Cappell's Chicken Scampi

Cook Time: 20 minutes Serves: 4

RCI-BV.009.0011.001

Carambola and Ginger Drink

RCI-DS.003.0039.001

Caramel Corn

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Makes 2½ quarts

RCI-VG.004.0194.001

Caramelized Carrots

Serves 8 Caramelized Carrots

RCI-BR.006.0054.001

Caramel Pecan Pie

Caramel Pecan Pie from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SC.007.0055.002

Caramel Sauce

Caramel Sauce from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.003.0043.001

Caramels or Chocolate Caramels

Caramels or Chocolate Caramels from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BV.008.0016.001

Caramel - Swirl Hot Chocolate

Caramel - Swirl Hot Chocolate from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BV.008.0017.001

Caramel Vanilla Latte

Caramel Vanilla Latte from the Recidemia collection

RCI-RC.001.0043.001

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.

RCI-VG.005.0031.001

Caraway Sauerkraut

Caraway Sauerkraut from the Recidemia collection

RCI-RC.001.0044.001

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).

RCI-BR.003.0115.001

Caribbean Banana Bread

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

RCI-SP.004.0058.001

Caribbean Chicken Pepper Pot

Contributed by PressureCookerRecipes Y-Group

RCI-MT.004.0118.001

Caribbean Ginger Turkey Guadeloupian-style

Caribbean Ginger Turkey Guadeloupian-style from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.0205.001

Caribbean Lime Mousse

Like key lime pie in a glass, this delicious dessert is both easy and elegant.

RCI-VG.004.0210.001

Caribbean Pork Chops

Caribbean Pork Chops from the Recidemia collection

RCI-RC.002.0006.001

Caribbean Pork Risotto

Makes 4 servings.

RCI-VG.004.0216.001

Caribbean-style Black Bean Soup

300px| Caribbean-style Black Bean Soup This is from the "Fix-It and Forget-It Cookbook" for slow-cookers. I love this, and do my husband and son. Make sure to add the vinegar at the end, it makes a big, delicious difference!

RCI-SP.004.0060.001

Carna Guisada in the Crock-pot

Purchased from the Colvin Estate in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1989. Notation on card indicates this is a weekly meal in the Colvin House. Dated 1964.

RCI-MT.002.0063.001

Carne Adobada

Spiced spareribs From "Catsrecipes Y-Group" Source: Come Into the Kitchen Serves 4 to 6

RCI-MT.002.0064.001

Carne Adobada I

Original recipe Yields 6 servings (3 ounces each)

RCI-SP.004.0062.001

Carne Guisada

Carne Guisada from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.002.0040.001

Carrot Cream Soup

This puréed soup is terrific. If you don't purée the mixture it also makes and excellent vegetarian soup stock.

RCI-BV.009.0012.001

Carrot Orange Juice

Carrot Orange Juice from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.002.0045.001

Carrot Soup

300px| Carrot Soup

RCI-VG.004.0228.001

Carrot-top Soup

From "High Road to Health", by Lindsey Wagner and Ariane Spade

RCI-SP.003.0141.001

Cassava Soup

Cassava Soup from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.004.0103.001

Castle Pudding

Serves 5

RCI-ND.005.0022.001

Cathy's Chicken Chop Suey

Purchased from the McDonald Estate in Wylie, Texas in 1990. Dated 1974. This is an incredible recipe. I made it on Bunco Night when the theme was Chinese. You wanna see 12 women go nuts over Chinese, this is the one.

RCI-SN.002.0076.001

Cathy's Mom's Corn Fritters

My mother obtained this recipe when she was on a Navy base in Germany in the 1940's. She is unsure of the date but this has been in our family since she obtained it. It is fabulous and easy.

RCI-VG.005.0034.001

Cathy's Pickled Eggs

Purchased from the Rosenthal Estate in Montgomery, Alabama in 1989. Dated 1942.

RCI-SP.005.0034.001

Cauliflower and Coconut Milk Curry

This is my favourite vegetarian curry. It's a simple one and quickly cooked. The taste is aromatic without being strongly spicy.

RCI-SN.002.0077.001

Cauliflower Pakora

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Gingham Estate in Fort Worth, Texas in 1992.

RCI-VG.004.0244.001

Cawl Cynhaeaf

Harvest Broth

RCI-BR.006.0060.001

Celebration Tarts

Celebration Tarts from the Recidemia collection

RCI-RC.005.0023.001

Cereal de Plátano

plantain Cereal

RCI-SP.001.0017.001

Cesnakova polievka

garlic soup is a popular starter in Slovakia. This may be because the Slovakian people believe strongly in the healing properties of garlic. They feel that garlic is good for the body as a whole, and especially so for the heart.

RCI-SP.003.0145.001

Chadian Pea Soup

Chadian Pea Soup from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.002.0031.001

Chai Latte Granita

.

RCI-MT.001.0074.001

Chaing Mai Steaks

Chaing Mai Steaks from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.003.0146.001

Chairo Paceńo

Chairo Paceńo from the Recidemia collection