Croquette

A croquette (; French: [kʁɔkɛt]; Spanish: croqueta) is a deep-fried roll originating in French cuisine and most extended in Spanish cuisine consisting of a thick binder combined with a filling, which is then breaded. It is served as a side dish, a snack, or fast food worldwide. The binder is typically a thick béchamel or brown sauce, mashed potatoes, wheat flour, or wheat bread. The binder may be mixed with or stuffed with a filling. Typical fillings include finely chopped meat, seafood, cheese, rice, mushrooms, and various vegetables, which may be combined with seasonings such as herbs and spices. Originally, they were filled with the leftovers from roasted chicken or broth soup made for the family; instead of throwing away the leftovers, they reused them by making croquettes. Sweet croquettes may use a pastry cream binder and be filled with fruit. Croquettes may also be formed in other shapes, such as disks, ovals, or balls.