quenelle

noun

que·​nelle kə-ˈnel 

: a poached oval dumpling of pureed forcemeat (as of pike) often served in a cream sauce

Examples of quenelle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The 50-seat restaurant will serve up pike quenelle ravioli with Nantua sauce and Great Lakes perch with gribiche on the à la carte menu. — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 8 Sep. 2026

Similar to gnudi, the quenelles feature impossibly thin skins that collapse into pillows of ricotta cheese. — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2026

Plate and finish with quenelles of tyrokafteri. — Kelly McCarthy, ABC News, 17 Apr. 2026

Forget about fashionable foodie trends, the cuisine here remains a faithful homage to the master, perfectly reproducing his signature dishes like plump pike quenelle dumplings in a rich creamy Nantua sauce, succulent beef Rossini topped with foie gras or a tasty black truffle soup. — John Brunton, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

French, from German Knödel dumpling, from Middle High German; akin to Old High German knoto knot — more at knot

First Known Use

1845, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for quenelle

• barbell
• bedwell
• befell
• bluebell
• bombshell
• bridewell
• capelle
• cartel
• carvel
• clamshell
• cogswell
• compel