Quenelle

A quenelle is a type of French dish where a mixture—such as seafood, poultry, or meat—combined with eggs, breadcrumbs, or cream is shaped into an oval or elongated form and gently cooked, often poached. There are two main types: savory quenelles, like those made from fish or chicken, and sweet ones, like fruit-based desserts. The shape and smooth texture are characteristic features. Quenelles are typically served with sauces, showcasing skilled shaping and flavor balance, and are considered a refined element of French cuisine.