The World on a Plate
Explore ingredients and dishes across culinary traditions, with a serving of context behind every answer.
Explore ingredients and dishes across culinary traditions, with a serving of context behind every answer. Take ten thoughtfully chosen questions at your own pace. Each answer comes with a short explanation to help you connect the facts and remember something new.
Which country is strongly associated with sushi's culinary tradition?
Your question-by-question study guide
Prefer to read, or revisit what you learned? Explore every question below. Open an answer when you’re ready.
1. Which country is strongly associated with sushi's culinary tradition?
- Greece
- Morocco
- Japan
- Mexico
Reveal answer and explanation
Japan — Sushi developed in Japan and centers on seasoned rice, with varied accompaniments.
2. What is the main ingredient in traditional hummus?
- Rice
- Chickpeas
- Potatoes
- Lentils
Reveal answer and explanation
Chickpeas — Hummus commonly blends chickpeas with tahini, lemon juice and garlic.
3. Which grain is traditionally used for Italian risotto?
- Rice
- Barley only
- Millet
- Rye
Reveal answer and explanation
Rice — Starchy rice varieties such as Arborio release starch to give risotto its creamy texture.
4. What is tofu made from?
- Almonds
- Chickpeas
- Wheat
- Soybeans
Reveal answer and explanation
Soybeans — Tofu is made by coagulating soy milk and pressing the curds.
5. Which spice comes from the stigmas of a crocus flower?
- Turmeric
- Cumin
- Saffron
- Cinnamon
Reveal answer and explanation
Saffron — Saffron consists of dried stigmas, which must be carefully harvested from crocus flowers.
6. What is the principal ingredient in guacamole?
- Zucchini
- Avocado
- Cucumber
- Green peas
Reveal answer and explanation
Avocado — Guacamole is an avocado-based preparation associated with Mexican cuisine.
7. Which cheese is traditionally used in a Greek salad?
- Feta
- Cheddar
- Brie
- Gorgonzola
Reveal answer and explanation
Feta — Feta is a brined Greek cheese traditionally made with sheep's milk or a sheep-and-goat milk mixture.
8. What gives traditional pesto alla genovese its green color?
- Spinach
- Parsley alone
- Mint
- Basil
Reveal answer and explanation
Basil — Genovese pesto uses basil with ingredients such as pine nuts, cheese, garlic and olive oil.
9. Which flatbread is traditionally baked in a tandoor?
- Pita only
- Injera
- Naan
- Tortilla
Reveal answer and explanation
Naan — Naan is a leavened flatbread commonly baked against the hot walls of a tandoor.
10. Which ingredient is essential to traditional chocolate production?
- Carob seeds
- Cacao beans
- Coffee beans
- Vanilla pods alone
Reveal answer and explanation
Cacao beans — Chocolate is made from processed cacao beans; sugar and other ingredients vary by type.