Can I make this recipe using water?

Definitely you can, I've been cooking all my life (or at least since I was old enough to reach for the counter top). Water works well as any other base you're trying to use. The trick here is to not use too much, just a little water and add your favorite veggies in it (i prefer tomatoes and spinach for the broth) mash it in the water first while boiling and add some spice of your choice and your good to go. Hope that helps.