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

Number Of Servings Course Dinner Party Main Ingredient

2 Ingredient Pineapple Cake With Pineapple Sauce

Craving a delicious pineapple upside-down cake but watching your waistline? This unbelievably simple recipe from the American Heart Association delivers all the tropical pineapple flavor without the guilt! Made with just two main ingredients, this cake is incredibly moist and fragrant. The optional zesty pineapple sauce adds a burst of extra flavor and elevates this low-calorie dessert to the next level. Perfect for a quick weeknight treat or a healthy dessert option for any occasion.

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Ground Beef Beef Course Main Ingredient

2 Pot Stove Top Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

Craving comforting stuffed cabbage rolls but short on time? This 2-pot stovetop recipe delivers all the flavor in just 35 minutes! Skip the tedious stuffing and enjoy a delicious, weeknight-friendly meal. Tender cabbage, savory ground beef, and fluffy rice combine for a hearty and satisfying dish. Perfect served with warm bread or dinner rolls (we love using Jan S.'s perfect rice recipe #53546!).

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For Large Groups Desserts For Large Groups Chocolate

22 Minute Cake

This isn't your grandma's cake! Get ready for a fudgy, intensely chocolatey dessert that's a cross between a cake and a brownie, similar to a Texas sheet cake. This easy recipe, passed down through generations, delivers rich chocolate flavor in just 22 minutes! Perfect for a weeknight treat or a special Sunday gathering. No mixer needed!

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Dietary Breads From Scratch Heirloom Historical

Aunt Joan's Cinnamon Rolls

A treasured family recipe passed down through generations, Aunt Joan's Cinnamon Rolls are the stuff of legends! Since the 1960s, this recipe has been creating melt-in-your-mouth, incredibly delicious cinnamon rolls (or are they sticky buns?). While the measurements are a little loose – reflecting Aunt Joan's years of baking expertise – the result is pure magic. Perfect for holidays or any special occasion, this recipe makes enough for two 9x12 inch pans (approximately 24 rolls). Get ready to impress your family and friends with this heartwarming classic!

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Low Fat Vegetables 60 Minutes Or Less Time To Make

Auntie Heather's Awesome Picked Beetroot Beets

A treasured New Zealand family recipe, Auntie Heather's pickled beetroot is unbelievably delicious! This simple recipe relies on the pure, vibrant flavor of the beetroot, using a magical 'cup-for-cup' method: equal parts beetroot juice, sugar, and vinegar. The result? Perfectly tangy, sweet, and earthy pickled beets, perfect for salads or enjoyed straight from the jar! This recipe is easily scalable, making it ideal for any size batch. Discover the secret to unbelievably delicious pickled beetroot – a taste of New Zealand in every bite!

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Grilling Holiday Event Grilling Equipment

Australian Damper

Authentic Australian Outback Campfire Bread! This hearty, rustic loaf is traditionally cooked in the embers of a campfire, making it the perfect companion for your next camping adventure or a unique addition to your bush cooking repertoire. Learn how to make this simple yet incredibly flavorful bread, a true taste of the Australian outback.

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Oven Easy Cuisine South West Pacific

Australian Meat Pie

Experience the taste of Aussie Rules Football with this classic Australian Meat Pie recipe! Perfect for game day, lunch, or any occasion, this recipe yields one large or several smaller pies. Learn how to create the ultimate savory filling and flaky pastry crust – a true taste of Australia!

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Low Carb South West Pacific Australian Meat

Australian Pepper Steak

Experience the flavors of Australia with this sizzling Pepper Steak recipe! Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this hearty dish combines tender steak with vibrant bell peppers, savory onions, and a rich, flavorful sauce. Inspired by our 2005 'zaar world tour, this recipe is a family favorite.

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Inexpensive Main Dish Vegetables Cheese

Autumn Carrot Casserole

Cozy up with this delicious Autumn Carrot Casserole! Sweet brown sugar glazed carrots are smothered in a creamy, cheesy Velveeta sauce and topped with crunchy Ritz cracker crumbs. A perfect side dish for Thanksgiving, fall potlucks, or a comforting weeknight meal.

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Lunch Number Of Servings Time To Make Lunch

Awesome Steamed Cheeseburgers

Craving juicy, gooey cheeseburgers without the grease splatters? This recipe recreates the magic of Ted's Restaurant in Meriden, CT, using a simple steaming method! Inspired by a Travel Channel episode, this recipe delivers incredibly flavorful, tender burgers in just minutes. No flipping required – simply steam to perfection and top with your favorite fixings. Easy cleanup is an added bonus!

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Time To Make Small Appliance Yeast Dietary

Awesome Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls

From "The Bread Winners Cookbook," these unbelievably delicious whole wheat dinner rolls are a Thanksgiving staple and perfect for any occasion! This recipe yields a large batch, easily halved for smaller gatherings. The rich, nutty flavor of whole wheat flour creates a satisfying texture and nutritional boost that your family will adore. Get ready for rave reviews – these rolls are guaranteed to disappear fast!

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Barbecue Grilling Meat Time To Make

Baby Back Ribs Reynold's Wrap

Experience melt-in-your-mouth baby back ribs with this easy Reynolds Wrap foil packet method! Perfect for grilling or oven baking, this recipe delivers juicy, tender ribs every time. Say goodbye to messy grilling and hello to effortless cleanup! Impress your family and friends with this restaurant-quality recipe.

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Preparation Bacon Course 30 Minutes Or Less

Bacon Caramelized Onion Asparagus

Crispy bacon, sweet caramelized onions, and tender asparagus come together in this quick and easy 20-minute recipe from Kraft! A delicious and satisfying side dish or light meal, perfect for weeknight dinners. This recipe elevates simple asparagus into a flavor explosion.

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Winter Fall Midwestern Cheese

Bacon Cheddar Potato Soup

Indulge in this creamy, dreamy Bacon Cheddar Potato Soup! This easy-to-make recipe delivers a thick, satisfying bowl of comfort food, perfect for a cozy night in. The rich cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and tender potatoes create a flavor explosion that's unbelievably delicious. Serve with crusty French bread for a complete meal. Make ahead and reheat for effortless weeknight dinners!

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Preparation Breads 3 Steps Or Less Healthy

Bacon Cheese Bread Abm

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food: Bacon Cheese Bread! This irresistible recipe, inspired by ThatsMyHome.com, combines crispy bacon, gooey cheese, and fluffy bread for a flavor explosion. Perfect as a side dish or a satisfying main course, especially paired with creamy potato soup. Get ready for a taste sensation!

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Vegetables Main Dish Course Taste Mood

Bacon Cheeseburger Potato Pie

This show-stopping Bacon Cheeseburger Potato Pie is a family favorite! It's a bit time-consuming, but the spectacular results are worth every minute. Imagine a cheesy, bacon-loaded burger explosion baked into a creamy potato crust – pure comfort food perfection! This recipe, adapted from a classic, is perfect for a weekend feast or special occasion. Use leftover mashed potatoes for a quick weeknight option, or make your own from scratch for extra deliciousness.

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Preparation Equipment Seafood Main Ingredient

Lemon Butter Salmon With Capers And Asparagus

Impress your guests with this elegant yet easy Lemon Butter Salmon recipe! Perfectly flaky salmon fillets are baked alongside tender asparagus, then drizzled with a bright, zesty lemon-butter caper sauce. This show-stopping dish is perfect for Mother's Day, a special dinner party, or a weeknight treat. Serve with rice or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

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Low Calorie Beverages For 1 Or 2 5 Ingredients Or Less

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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