Basic Ingredient | Vegan Vegetarian Gluten Free Low Calorie Low Fat Low Carb

Water

Dihydrogen Monoxide (H2O) Allergen-Free
water

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family N/A
  • Primary Cuisine Global
  • Seasonality Year-Round
  • Source Natural springs, reservoirs, tap

The Forktionary Angle

"The universal solvent and culinary backbone, often overlooked but absolutely essential for transformative cooking."

Definition

An essential, tasteless, odorless, and colorless inorganic compound vital for all known forms of life and culinary processes.

Sensory Profile

TasteNeutral
TextureFluid, Viscous (very low)
AromaOdorless
AcidityNeutral

Technical Metrics

Boiling Point

Boils at 100°C (212°F) at standard atmospheric pressure.

Culinary Functions

Used for simmering, steaming, boiling, dissolving, and hydration.

Universal Solvent

Dissolves more substances than any other liquid, crucial for flavor extraction.

Nutrition Facts

Per 1 cup (240ml)
Calories0 kcal
Total Fat0 g
Saturated Fat0 g
Trans Fat0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Protein0 g
Total Carbohydrate0 g
Dietary Fiber0 g
Total Sugars0 g
Calcium0 mg
Iron0 mg
Potassium0 mg

Chef’s Secret

Using chilled water for pastry dough helps keep butter solid, resulting in a flakier crust by inhibiting gluten development.

Substitutions

Best Match

Broth/Stock

1:1

Good for adding flavor to soups, stews, or rice, but alters original recipe taste.

Milk

1:1

Adds creaminess and richness, suitable for sauces or baking where dairy is desired.

Fruit Juice

1:1

Adds sweetness and specific fruit flavor, suitable for desserts or marinades.

Wine

1:1

Adds depth and acidity, suitable for deglazing or braising, but introduces alcohol.

Buying Guide

For drinking, choose filtered or bottled water for purity. For cooking, tap water is usually sufficient.

Flavor Pairings

Every food; essential solvent and cooking medium.

Recipes Using Water

Served Cold Beginner Cook Time To Make Healthy

1927 Eskimo Cup

Escape the heat with this refreshing 1927 Eskimo Cup recipe! A delightful blast from the past, this vintage recipe (revived from a 1981 cookbook of forgotten favorites) is the perfect summer cooler. Sweet and bubbly, it's incredibly easy to make and guaranteed to transport you back to simpler times. Get ready for a taste of nostalgia!

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4 Hours Or Less Main Dish Weeknight Meat

Aunt Becky's Porcupine Meatballs

A treasured family recipe passed down through generations! These hearty porcupine meatballs, simmered in a rich tomato sauce, are a comforting classic that's sure to become a family favorite. Tender meatballs, bursting with flavor, served over creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice – pure comfort food perfection! Get ready for rave reviews!

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Corn Vegetables Main Ingredient Oven

Aunt Winnie's Corn Casserole

This legendary corn casserole recipe, passed down through generations (even without an Aunt Winnie!), is a Thanksgiving must-have. Simple to make, yet bursting with flavor, this creamy, cheesy, and corn-licious side dish will become your family's new favorite. Get ready for rave reviews!

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4 Hours Or Less Desserts Vegetarian Dietary

Auntie Barbara's Yummy Easy Danish Pastry

A family favorite recipe passed down through generations! This impressive yet easy-to-make Danish pastry is perfect for any occasion. Crispy, flaky layers meet a delicious almond-flavored custard topping. Detailed step-by-step photos guide you through the process, ensuring picture-perfect results every time. This recipe yields one large tray-baked pastry, easily sliced into servings. (Note: Almond extract is stronger than almond essence; adjust quantity to taste.)

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Equipment 60 Minutes Or Less To Go Taste Mood

Authentic Bavarian Potato Salad

Experience the true taste of Bavaria with this authentic potato salad recipe! This slightly sweet and sour salad features perfectly boiled potatoes tossed in a tangy vinaigrette, then enriched with melted butter for an unforgettable flavor. Feel free to add a refreshing crunch with cucumbers, field salad, or endive for a lighter twist. Serve warm or at room temperature – either way, it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. This recipe is adapted from a Bavarian family tradition.

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Course Dietary Preparation Cuisine

Authentic Sauerbraten

Experience the rich, complex flavors of traditional German Sauerbraten! This recipe features a mouthwatering marinade, slow-cooked beef, and a unique gingerbread-spiced gravy. Perfect for a special occasion or a cozy winter night.

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Occasion Breakfast Fall Pancakes And Waffles

Autumn Apple Pancakes With Walnut Caramel Syrup

Wake up to the irresistible aroma of warm apple pancakes drizzled with a rich walnut caramel syrup! This cozy recipe is perfect for autumn mornings, but delicious any time of year. The homemade caramel syrup, simmered with spiced apples, is the star of the show, perfectly complementing fluffy, tender pancakes. Get ready for a breakfast that will make you fall in love!

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Kosher Beginner Cook No Cook Salad Dressings

Avocado Salad Dressing

Spice up your salads and seafood with this vibrant, creamy avocado dressing! A twist on a classic recipe from "The Spice Cookbook," this version boasts extra garlic for a zesty kick. Forget boring vinaigrettes – this creamy, flavorful dressing is the perfect complement to your favorite greens and seafood dishes. Easy to make in just 5 minutes!

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Meat Main Dish Meat Soups Stews

Award Winning White Chicken Chili

Spice up your weeknight with this creamy, dreamy, and slightly spicy Award-Winning White Chicken Chili! This recipe, a crowd-pleaser that took 3rd place in a chili cook-off (beating out all the traditional red chilis!), delivers a thick, satisfying chili with a delightful kick. Perfect for a cozy night in or impressing your friends, this recipe is easy to follow and bursting with flavor. Get ready for a taste sensation!

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Very Low Carbs Very Low Carbs Healthy 2 Soups Stews

Award Winning Zucchini Soup

This family-tradition zucchini soup is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Winner of first prize at our local county fair, this recipe boasts a vibrant Italian flavor without being overly zucchini-forward. Its subtly sweet and savory profile is complemented by the perfect creamy texture. Prepare to be amazed – even zucchini skeptics will be converted! Serve with crusty Italian bread for a truly unforgettable meal.

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Time To Make Rolls Biscuits Number Of Servings 60 Minutes Or Less

Awesome Butter Rolls

Indulge in the irresistible flavor of our Awesome Butter Rolls! These fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth rolls are made with a secret ingredient: a small pat of butter nestled in the center of each roll before baking. The tops are brushed with melted butter for an extra-soft crust. Get ready for a taste sensation that's guaranteed to become a family favorite! (Rising times are not included in prep time.)

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Taste Mood Taste Mood Poultry Fruit

Awesome Thai Chicken Coconut Curry

Experience a taste explosion with this authentic Thai Chicken Coconut Curry! This recipe unlocks the incredible flavor of coconut milk and vibrant curry paste. Don't skimp – every ingredient contributes to the magic! Discover the surprisingly affordable secret ingredient: fish sauce (easily found in the Asian food aisle). Prepare for a culinary adventure that's as delicious as it is easy. Get ready to be amazed!

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Low Cholesterol Course Breads Low In Something

Awwami Crisp Donut Balls Middle East Palestine

Indulge in the irresistible sweetness of Awwami, a beloved Middle Eastern treat! These crispy donut balls are incredibly easy to make and bursting with flavor. A perfect fusion of crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior, this recipe transports you to the heart of the Middle East with every bite. Perfect for sharing with family and friends, or enjoying as a delightful treat for yourself.

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4 Hours Or Less Dietary Seasonal Easy

Azore Style Feijos Beans

Transport your taste buds to the Portuguese Azores with this authentic Feijoada recipe, passed down through generations! This hearty bean soup, brimming with savory spices, evokes the romance of the spice trade. While traditionally made with pink beans (which we highly recommend!), you can easily adapt this recipe to your preferred bean variety. Prepare to be enchanted by the irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen as this flavorful vegetarian masterpiece simmers to perfection.

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Course Equipment Course South American

Aztec Casserole

This Aztec Casserole is a hearty, high-protein one-pan wonder, perfect for busy weeknights! Made with tender beans, fluffy grains, and savory spices, this dish is easily customizable – omit the meat for a delicious vegetarian option. Prepare it ahead, freeze for later, and enjoy a satisfying and flavorful meal whenever you need it. A crowd-pleasing recipe that's both healthy and delicious!

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Occasion For Large Groups Holiday Event Dietary

Bacardi Double Chocolate Rum Cake

Indulge in this decadent Double Chocolate Rum Cake, infused with Bacardi rum and a luscious raspberry filling! Easy to make, yet incredibly rich and moist, this show-stopping dessert is perfect for special occasions or a weekend treat. The combination of dark chocolate, sweet raspberries, and a hint of rum creates an unforgettable flavor experience.

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Preparation Time To Make Occasion Main Ingredient

Bacon And Cheddar Smashed Potatoes

Crispy bacon and sharp cheddar cheese meet fluffy smashed potatoes in this incredibly quick and easy microwave recipe! Ready in under 20 minutes, this side dish is perfect for a weeknight meal or a casual get-together. Skip the oven and enjoy perfectly seasoned potatoes with minimal cleanup!

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Dietary Equipment Low In Something Preparation

Lemony's Ugly But Awesome Spinach Smoothie

This vibrant green smoothie isn't the prettiest, but its incredible flavor and health benefits will blow you away! Packed with spinach, Granny Smith apple, and a zesty lemon kick, this recipe is a delicious way to boost your daily dose of vitamins. Perfect for a quick breakfast, healthy snack, or even fun green popsicles for the kids! Easily customizable with your favorite greens and sweeteners.

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