Only Those Who Truly Know Food Can Name All These Classic Dishes
- by Bobby Anhalt
- – on
- in Lifestyle
Whether you're usually on the front lines in the kitchen whipping up soufflés, or on the couch watching someone else do it on television, it still takes a real food expert to be able to name every classic dish. With centuries of cooking history to build on, thousands of recipes have emerged from cultures all around the world. Some of these recipes have fizzled out into nonexistence, but there are still hundreds of appetizers, main courses, and desserts that have survived long enough to be called classics today.
Sometimes looking at classic dishes will be good enough to make your mouth water, and sometimes it will be weird enough to make you wonder what the inventor was thinking. The dishes featured in this quiz will run the gambit from delicious, to unconventional, to downright bizarre. Mayonnaise will be slathered on dishes where no savory condiment should ever venture, and wine will be used in every Italian dish imaginable.
So sharpen that chef's knife and tighten that apron, because your culinary knowledge is about to get put to the ultimate test. You'll need to know a lot more than the difference between a bagel and a beignet if you ever hope to ace this classic food quiz and prove yourself a top chef once and for all.
Which classic seafood dish is this?
This dish may have peaked in popularity in the early 1900's, but there's a good chance it's still on a menu near you today, especially on the northeastern coast. This dish is a perfect combination of Surf and Turf with a pop of crunch. Clams are baked on the half-shell, topped with bacon and breadcrumbs, until crispy and golden. Bacon has a tendency to make everything taste better, and clams are definitely no exception. What is the name of this classic dish?
Which classic beef dish is this?
Traditionally, this dish begins with a steak which is carefully prepared in three complicated steps. In step one, the steak is coated with Pâté de Foie Gras, a paste made from the liver of a fattened goose or duck. Step two involves finely mincing mushrooms, onions, and herbs, before sauteeing them in butter and reducing the mixture to a paste which is then smeared over the pâté layer. Finally, the whole thing is wrapped in puff pastry and baked, resulting in a decadent meal. What is the name of this dish?
Which classic dish is this?
This soup is unique because not only are its ingredients raw, but the finished product is served cold. To prepare this dish, raw tomatoes are pureed with stale bread and a variety of other vegetables like bell pepper, onion, and garlic. The soup is then chilled and drizzled with olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper to serve. This chilled savory soup makes a perfect light and refreshing lunch for a blistering summer day. What is the name of this classic dish?
Which classic seafood dish is this?
Originating in New Orleans in 1889, this classic dish is so rich that it was actually named after the richest man in the country at the time. To prepare this recipe, oysters on the half-shell are topped with a sauce made of butter, herbs, and sometimes spinach. The oysters are then finished with breadcrumbs and baked on a bed of salt until crispy. Lemon is a classic garnish for these savory mollusks. What is the name of this classic seafood dish?
Which classic dessert dish is this?
This rich and boozy dessert dish is as classic as it is decadent. In 1951, someone had the brilliant idea to caramelize bananas in a sauce made of brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon. That someone then took things one step further by flambéing the bananas in rum and banana liqueur. Finally, the warm dish is topped with cold vanilla ice cream and sometimes nuts for added crunch. This flavor combination has inspired many other recipes and products since its creation. What is this dish called?
Which classic pasta dish is this?
This classic dish is so popular that it's difficult to find someone who hasn't tried it at least once. The pasta recipe has been around since the 1890's and has experienced many adaptations since then, but its original preparation was simply comprised of tossing cooked fettuccine pasta with butter and parmesan cheese. The cheese melts and combines with the liquids to form a smooth, velvety sauce that coats the noodles. What is the name of this classic Italian Pasta Dish?
Which classic salad dish is this?
This laundry list of ingredients may sound unorthodox, but everything somehow comes together to create a beautiful and complex salad. To prepare this dish, greens are typically topped with seared tuna, green beans, hard-boiled eggs, tomatoes, olives, and a drizzle of olive oil. While the exact ingredients used vary from chef to chef, the salad never fails to deliver a fresh and savory dish that feels much more filling than a typical salad. What is the name of this classic salad?
Which classic chicken dish is this?
This classic French dish features chicken that is seared and then braised low and slow, keeping it tender and juicy. Although the dish has been around since at least the 1800's, Julia Child first made it popular in America in the 1960's. Traditionally, the chicken is braised with red wine, pork fat, and mushrooms. Some recipes include fresh herbs and cippolini onions, as well as a roux to thicken the juices at the end. What is this classic chicken dish?
Which classic salad dish is this?
This dish is probably the most popular salad in the country, and it's easy to see why. After all, classics are classics because they're good enough to stand the test of time. Created out of necessity in 1924, this recipe definitely proved that it could hold its own, as it quickly became one of the most widely served dishes in almost every restaurant. The salad base is simple enough, consisting of romaine lettuce, croutons, parmesan cheese, and sometimes chicken. However, it's the dressing that really makes this dish. The dressing is prepared by blending lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, anchovies, olive oil, egg, garlic, dijon mustard, and pepper. What is this dish?
Which classic breakfast dish is this?
To prepare this decadent breakfast dish, a toasted English muffin is first topped with a cured meat of some sort (usually Canadian bacon, but sometimes ham or bacon) followed by a poached egg. The sauce that smothers the egg is what makes this iconic dish, and it is prepared simply by emulsifying egg yolk, butter, lemon juice, and water. Once broken with a fork, the runny egg yolk oozes in the best way to soak into every nook and cranny of the English muffin. What is this classic breakfast dish?
Which classic vegetable dish is this?
This pleasingly organized dish is French in origin and consists only of stewed vegetables. While the ingredient list is simple, the preparation is rather complex considering the knife skills necessary to cut a variety of vegetables into thin, even slices. Not all iterations of this dish require the vegetables to be carefully arranged like this, but it does add a certain je ne sais quoi. Either way, the dish includes eggplant, yellow squash, tomato, and zucchini stewed in a garlicky tomato sauce. What is this classic dish?
Which classic dish is this?
The French are on a roll with inventing delicious recipes. This French dish is really more of a broad category of rustic, freehand pastry pies baked with a filling. The pies can be either savory or sweet, but nowadays they are often filled with berries or fruit. This open-faced pie is the perfect dish for a no-frills baker with a sweet tooth and a craving for a rustic, homemade bite. What is the name of this classic open-faced pastry dish?
Which classic beef dish is this?
This hearty stew originated in France in the 1800's. To prepare this dish, beef is seared and then stewed in red wine and beef broth, and adorned with carrots, pearl onions, mushrooms, garlic, herbs, and bacon all stewed in the same liquids. The savory stew makes the perfect dinner for a cold blustery night, especially when served with a fluffy pile of warm, buttery mashed potatoes. Any person able to pull off this symphony of flavors should be able to claim the title of Top Chef. What is this classic beef dish?
Which classic seafood dish is this?
This savory French stew features a medley of seafood simmered in a light broth and often served with crusty bread. What makes this dish different from other seafood stews is the specific combination of fish and herbs used. Traditionally, the stew is made with bony rockfish and a variety of other seafood and shellfish like mussels, octopus, and crab. Accompanying the seafood are vegetables like tomato, leeks, onions, celery, and potato. The special blend of spices includes saffron, salt, cayenne pepper, and fennel which add a unique flavor complex to the broth. What is this classic seafood dish?
Which classic Italian dish is this?
This creamy rice dish is prepared by first briefly toasting a high-starch short-grain rice (usually Arborio) in butter and finely diced onions. Next, white wine is added and stirred over low heat until absorbed by the rice. Finally, broth is added in very small increments as the rice is cooked slowly at a low temperature to create a rich, creamy consistency. The rice is often served simply with vegetables and herbs, but can also sometimes feature chicken or seafood. What is the name of this classic Italian dish?
Which classic dish is this?
The beauty of pastry dough or pie crust is that its neutral flavor allows it to encase any filling, whether it be savory or sweet. This savory open-faced pie is filled with a basic baked mixture of eggs, milk, and cheese. The dish is often includes vegetables, and sometimes additional proteins like chicken or even seafood. Eggs aren't just for breakfast anymore - this dish is satisfying and filling enough to be eaten as the main course for any meal. What is the name of this classic dish?
Which classic seafood dish is this?
This seafood stew stands out as a unique Italian-American Dish created in California in the late 1800's. Tomatoes are simmered in a white wine broth to create a savory soup for the seafood to cook in. Ingredients commonly used in this rustic stew include clams, mussels, shrimp, scallops, squid, crab, onion, garlic, red pepper flakes, and herbs like parsley and bay. The broth is commonly sopped up with a slice of crusty sourdough bread. What is the name of this classic seafood dish?
Which classic Italian dish is this?
This Italian dish consists of light, pillowy morsels made from ricotta cheese, semolina flour, and sometimes spinach. To prepare the dumpling-like dish, the ricotta and semolina are first kneaded into a dough, which is then shaped into small spheres. Next, the balls of dough are boiled until they float, signifying doneness. While this dish can be served with a tomato sauce, it is most traditionally served with a simple brown butter and sage sauce and sprinkled with freshly grated cheese. What classic Italian dish is this?
Which classic casserole dish is this?
The word "casserole" typically brings to mind images of Grandma's baked ziti or potato gratin. However, this is a much more refined and decadent casserole, originating in France. This dish is traditionally made with white beans, duck (or goose) confit, sausage, and sometimes other meat like bacon. The casserole is cooked slowly so that the flavors meld together, imparting an almost smoky flavor to the beans from the bacon and preserved meats. What is the name of this classic French casserole?
Which classic pasta dish is this?
This classic Italian pasta dish features spaghetti dressed in a simple sauce of raw eggs, hard cheese, and plenty of pepper. Traditionally, the only addition is pancetta, but modern variations often include vegetables like peas or mushrooms. To prepare the dish, spaghetti is boiled, removed from the heat, and strained. While the noodles are still hot, the raw egg and freshly grated hard cheese (often pecorino or parmesan) are added and stirred in to gently the cook the raw ingredients without curdling the eggs. What is the name of this classic pasta dish?
Which classic Canadian dish is this?
In Canada, this dish originated as diner or bar food, but has since become a celebrated national dish that is often served as quality cuisine in fine dining establishments. The beauty of this dish is that its simplicity allows for versatility by adding any extra toppings desired. However, the recipe traditionally only calls for three main ingredients: thick-cut french fries, fresh cheese curds, and a healthy serving of peppery brown gravy to smother the dish. What is the name of this classic Canadian dish?
Which classic beef dish is this?
Though this dish is now popular in many parts of the world, it originated in Russia in the 1800’s. Traditionally, the recipe called for chunks or slices of beef lightly floured, browned, and then cooked in a sauce of mustard and beef bouillon and finished with sour cream. Today, many variations include mushroom and onions in the recipe, and use twisted egg noodles as a base to serve upon. Either way, this hearty dish is filling and warming – perfect for a cold Russian day. What is the name of this classic beef dish?
Which classic sandwich is this?
This classic sandwich is an Americanized version of a French dish and has been referenced in cookbooks since the 1930’s. Today, it is still a popular menu item for restaurants serving breakfast or brunch. The dish is prepared by first making a ham and Swiss cheese sandwich, which is then dipped in egg batter and fried whole. The cheesy fried sandwich is sometimes served with powdered sugar and fruit preserves for a sweet and salty twist, but is usually served simply as a savory dish. What is the name of this classic sandwich?
Which classic egg dish is this?
This hearty breakfast bake originated in the Middle East, and later evolved into the dish that we know today in Tunisia. To prepare the dish, eggs are simmered whole in a sauce of tomatoes, chili peppers, onion, and spices. Often, feta cheese and cilantro are sprinkled on top to finish the dish, and add a pop of brightness to cut through the heat. This warming, spicy dish is often served with crusty bread to sop up any leftover tomato sauce. What is the name of this classic egg dish?
Which classic Greek dish is this?
This baked dish is Greek in origin, but has many popular variations from all around the world. The traditional Greek version of the recipe calls for eggplant, spices, and tomato sautéed with minced meat (usually lamb). The meat and vegetable mixture is then layered with béchamel sauce and baked. Some iterations of the dish utilize an eggy custard topping instead of the béchamel layers. While the preparation varies greatly between nations, every major version of the recipe at least includes eggplant, tomato, and minced meat as the basic ingredients. What is the name of this classic Greek dish?
Which classic dish is this?
This classic English dish makes a cozy and comforting meal. Originally created as an affordable meal option, the recipe features a layer of minced meat and vegetables (usually onion, carrots, corn, and peas), which are simmered with beef broth and other seasonings to make a gravy-like sauce. The dish is then topped with a fluffy layer of mashed potatoes and baked until golden. Potatoes are an affordable crop and the vegetables mixed into the bottom layer help to stretch a family’s meat supply further, making this an affordable and delicious meal. What is this classic dish?
Which classic dish is this?
Anyone who’s ever ventured to try a sip of Marsala wine probably quickly spat it out – this salty wine is not good for drinking, but makes a perfect sauce base for this savory chicken dish. To prepare this recipe, chicken cutlets are pounded out until thin, lightly breaded, and fried. Meanwhile, sautéed mushrooms, garlic, and shallots are simmered in a gravy-like sauce of broth, Marsala wine, herbs, and flour for thickening. To serve, the chicken cutlets are smothered in the mushroom-shallot gravy and often plated with pasta or mashed potatoes. What is this classic Italian-American dish?
Which classic Spanish dish is this?
This ancient Spanish dish originally featured mixed types of meat and vegetables, but those on the coast of Spain adapted the dish to use seafood instead of meat. To prepare the recipe, the seafood or meat is first cooked in a special pan over an open fire. Next the vegetables and oil are added, and the uncooked rice is tossed in and toasted. Finally, a seafood or meat broth and seasonings (mainly saffron) are added to cook the rice. While the rice on the surface remains light and fluffy, a layer of crispy rice forms along the bottom of the pan and is considered a delicacy. What is this classic Spanish dish?
Which classic Cajun dish is this?
This Cajun dish originated in Louisiana and is inspired by both Spanish and French Cooking. To prepare this recipe, a sofrito of onion, celery, and green bell pepper is browned along with sausage, and either chicken or shrimp. Next, rice and broth are added to the dish along with spices, and everything is simmered together so that the flavors meld. Being a Cajun dish, the spices used often include things like jalapeno, garlic, and cayenne pepper. What is the name of this classic rice dish?
Which classic steak dish is this?
This dish is as much about the presentation as it is about the taste. This recipe originating in America is traditionally flambéed tableside for a flashy performance. To prepare the dish, thinly sliced steak is first seared in butter and olive oil and then removed from the pan. To the same pan, shallots, garlic, and mushrooms are added and cooked until soft and fragrant. Cognac is added and ignited for the flashy flambé, and then mustard, cream, demi glace, and worcestershire sauce are whisked into the pan to create the sauce. What is this classic steak dish?
Which classic Korean dish is this?
The name of this Korean meat dish refers to the way that the meat is cut and prepared. This ancient way of preparing meat is believed to have originated as far back as 30 BC. The recipe can call for either pork or beef, but either way it is sliced very thinly and marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, pepper, and ginger. In its ancient preparation, the meat was originally skewered and cooked over an open flame. In modern times, it is instead spread out on a metal grill plate over a flame and cooked quickly. The sticky marinated meat is often served with steamed rice and scallions. What is this classic Korean dish?
Which classic dish is this?
This stew can be prepared either Cajun or Creole style, and is the official dish of Louisiana. To prepare this dish, meat or seafood is browned in a pan with sausage and then removed. Next, a roux is created from flour and butter to thicken the stew. Vegetables like okra, celery, onion, and bell pepper are cooked in the roux before beef broth is slowly whisked in to incorporate smoothly. The browned meat or seafood is added back into the pot, along with seasonings like sassafras, thyme, bay, and hot sauce. This strongly flavored stew is often served with white rice and scallions or other fresh herbs. What is this classic dish?
Which classic Italian dish is this?
This Italian pasta dish is unique in that it is sort of a cross between red and white sauces, giving it a distinctive pink hue. This recipe is prepared by first sauteeing onions in butter, and then reducing vodka in the pan. Next, crushed tomatoes and cream are added to the pan and simmered with red pepper. Finally, cooked penne is tossed with the sauce and topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese. What is the name of this classic boozy Italian dish?
Which classic Italian dish is this?
A common Italian cooking technique is to dredge a thin cut of meat lightly in flour and then fry it to add some texture before adding a sauce. This recipe does exactly that with a thin, flattened piece of chicken breast. After frying, the pan juices from the chicken are used in making a sauce of lemon, white wine, shallots, garlic, capers, and butter. The dish is commonly served with a starch like pasta or polenta. What is the name of this classic Italian dish?
Which classic dessert is this?
This classic dessert is basically the craziest ice cream cake in existence. The cake originated in the late 1800’s and isn’t often seen in the average restaurant today, but definitely still made its mark on food history. The dessert begins like a regular ice cream cake, with layers of ice cream inside of a sponge cake-lined pan. Next, the whole thing is topped off with a mound of fresh meringue. By placing the whole cake into a very hot oven for a very short amount of time, the meringue becomes browned on the outside while keeping the ice cream frozen on the inside. What is this classic dessert?
Which classic dessert is this?
This classic French dessert came about in the 1800’s and is still popular in many home kitchens today. The basic recipe calls for black cherries in a thick custard-like batter, baked in a buttered dish until browned and puffed. The dessert is typically served with a sprinkling of powdered sugar. Traditionally, the pits were left in the cherries because they contained a compound with an appealing almond flavor. However, today the pits are often removed for simplicity. What is the name of this classic French dessert?
Which classic sandwich is this?
This classic sandwich is a variation of another classic French dish that originated in the early 1900’s in cafes. The simple yet satisfying dish starts with a basic ham sandwich. Next, the bread is topped with grated cheese (often gruyere) and the whole sandwich is fried in a pan or baked in the oven until crisp. Finally, to finish the dish a fried egg is placed on top of the sandwich. What is the name of this classic French Sandwich?
Which classic dish is this?
This questionable sweet mayonnaise-based salad came into existence in the late 1900’s for a children’s benefit at a famous hotel in New York City. Since then, the recipe has been published in cookbooks and modified by many families to become a holiday staple. The original recipe calls simply for mayonnaise, apples, and celery. Since then, common additions to the recipe have included grapes and nuts. This dessert salad is a polarizing point of conversation for many families, with its odd combination of sweet fruits with celery and mayo. What is the name of this classic dish?
Which classic Italian dish is this?
This classic Italian dish begins with a very specific cut of meat. Veal shanks are cross-cut to reveal the hollow bone in the middle, containing edible bone marrow. To prepare this dish, the veal shanks are dredged in flour and browned on all sides. Next, the tough cuts of meat are braised for an extended period of time in wine and broth with vegetables to soften and tenderize the meat. The meal is often served with polenta or risotto. What is the name of this classic Italian dish?
Which classic Italian dish is this?
This ancient braised chicken recipe originated in Italy at some point in the 15th or 16th century. To prepare the dish, chicken legs and thighs are first browned in a large pan with olive oil. After the chicken is removed, the remaining juices and fat are used to cook the onions, peppers, and any other vegetables desired. Common ingredients to finish off the sauce include diced tomatoes, red wine, rosemary, and bay leaves. Finally, the chicken is returned to the pan and simmered in the sauce until cooked through fully. What is the name of this classic Italian dish?
Which classic seafood dish is this?
This classic Italian-American dish is as simple as it is delicious. With its light buttery sauce, it makes a classic dinner that can be enjoyed by picky kids and adventurous eaters alike. The traditional recipe features shrimp lightly cooked in a sauce of butter, olive oil, garlic, shallots, white wine, and often red pepper flakes. Although the name of the dish refers only to the shrimp itself, it is often served with spaghetti or linguine and garnished with chopped parsley. What is this classic seafood dish?
Which classic breakfast dish is this?
This classic breakfast dish is served in diners and restaurants everywhere today, but was originally seen on rural Mexican farms. The traditional recipe calls simply for fried eggs served on corn or flour tortillas, topped with a fresh salsa made of tomatoes, chili peppers, cilantro, and onions. Common variations on this hearty dish today often include avocado, sour cream, or cheese and it is sometimes served with refried beans and rice. What is the name of this classic breakfast dish?
Which classic Italian dish is this?
This classic homey Italian dish employs a cooking technique known as a roulade, meaning that a long thin piece of meat is slathered with a filling and then rolled up tightly before cooking. Traditionally, this recipe calls for thin slices of beef which are flattened out and topped with prosciutto, bread crumbs, grated parmesan cheese, onions, and herbs. The slices of meat are then rolled up tightly into a roulade and tied off with twine to keep the stuffing inside while they are cooked in a sauce of wine, beef broth, and tomato. What is the name of this classic Italian dish?
Which classic Italian dish is this?
This classic Italian dish is essentially a bread salad and is thought to have originated at some point in the 16th century, based on poetry found from that time period. This recipe makes sure that stale bread does not go to waste by soaking it in water, squeezing it dry, and tossing it with tomatoes, onions, basil, olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper. In modern times, commonly added ingredients include mozzarella, lettuce, olives, and a variety of other ingredients. What is the name of this classic Italian dish?
Which classic seafood dish is this?
This homey seafood dish originated in South Carolina as a breakfast food, but is often served in restaurants as a lunch or dinner item as well. Corn grits are first cooked, either plain or with cheese. Next, shrimp are added on top of the grits, often with bacon or some sort of cooked tomato, pepper, and onion mixture. Southern iterations of this meal often serve the dish with a spicy kick of heat. What is the name of this classic seafood dish?
Which classic dish is this?
This classic beef dish originated in the United States in the late 1800’s and has since become a commonly adapted recipe for cafeterias and frozen meals. To prepare this dish, ground beef is first combined with breadcrumbs, worcestershire sauce, and other ingredients to form patties. The patties are then cooked and served with a brown gravy made of onions, beef broth, cornstarch, and other seasonings. Mushrooms are a common addition to the gravy. What is the name of this classic dish?
Which classic Hungarian dish is this?
This stew originated in medieval Hungary, at which point it consisted of little more than dried beef, water, and perhaps some vegetables. Over the centuries, traditional Hungarian recipes for the dish grew to include garlic, onions, potatoes, tomatoes, paprika, and other vegetables and seasonings. The beef stew is often eaten in the United States today, but in this variation, elbow macaroni is usually used instead of the traditional choice of potatoes. What is the name of this classic Hungarian dish?
Which classic sushi dish is this?
This particular type of sushi did not become popular in Japan until the early 1800’s. This dish begins with a hand-formed mound of sushi rice which serves as a base for the fish. Next, a thin slice of raw fish (typically tuna, salmon, or other raw seafood) is draped over the mound of rice and served with wasabi. Certain toppings, like octopus or eel, are bound to the mound of rice by a thin strip of seaweed to keep everything in place. What is the name of this traditional sushi dish?
Which classic dish is this?
The modern version of this dish that many people enjoy around the world today originated in Vietnam in the early 1900’s. To prepare the soup, a clear broth is first made by simmering bones with onions and other spices for up to 24 hours. Next, cooked rice noodles and very thin slices of meat (typically beef) are placed into a bowl, and the hot broth is ladled on top to cook the meat gently. The soup is traditionally topped with lime, green onions, bean sprouts, cilantro, and a variety of other sauces and seasonings if desired. What is the name of this classic noodle soup?
Which classic fruit salad is this?
This classic dish is a type of fruit salad characterized by its unique use of miniature marshmallows and coconut. Although the exact origin of this cloyingly sweet salad is unknown, recipes for it began appearing in cookbooks in the United States in the late 1800’s. To prepare this dish, a medley of fruit (typically pineapple bits, maraschino cherries, and mandarin orange segments) is tossed together with shredded coconut, mini marshmallows, and a creamy mixture of whipped cream and sour cream. What is the name of this classic fruit salad?