Beef Wellington Recipe
A Classic Dish for a Special Occasion
Beef Wellington is a classic dish that’s perfect for special occasions. It’s a savory pastry filled with a tender, cooked beef steak, mushroom duxelles, and a layer of pâté. While it may seem intimidating to make, with a little patience and practice, you can create a masterpiece that will impress your guests.
Ingredients
1 pound beef tenderloin, trimmed
Instructions
1. Prepare the Beef: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Season the beef tenderloin with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Sear the beef on all sides until it’s browned. Remove from the skillet and let it cool.
2. Make the Duxelles: In the same skillet, sauté the mushrooms, onion, and garlic until the liquid has evaporated. Add the dry sherry and cook for 1 minute more. Stir in the butter and flour, and cook for 30 seconds. Gradually whisk in the beef broth and heavy cream until the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper, and stir in the parsley.
3. Assemble the Wellington: Place a sheet of plastic wrap on a work surface. Spread the duxelles evenly over the plastic wrap. Place the cooled beef tenderloin on top of the duxelles. Roll up the beef in the duxelles, using the plastic wrap to help you.
4. Wrap in Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Place the beef roll in the center of the pastry. Trim the pastry around the roll, leaving a small overhang. Brush the edges of the pastry with the beaten egg. Fold the pastry over the beef roll and crimp the edges to seal.
5. Bake: Brush the top of the pastry with the remaining egg wash. Place the Wellington on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the beef is cooked to your desired temperature.
6. Rest and Serve: Remove the Wellington from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Conclusion
Beef Wellington is a truly impressive dish that will wow your guests. With a little preparation and patience, you can create a culinary masterpiece. Remember to let the Wellington rest after baking to allow the juices to redistribute. Enjoy!
FAQs
1. Can I use a different cut of beef? While beef tenderloin is the traditional choice, you can also use a high-quality rib-eye or sirloin steak.
2. What can I serve with Beef Wellington? Beef Wellington pairs well with roasted vegetables, a creamy mushroom sauce, and a glass of red wine.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the beef tenderloin and duxelles a day in advance. Simply wrap them in plastic wrap and refrigerate. Assemble the Wellington and bake it when ready to serve.
4. What is the best way to reheat leftover Beef Wellington? To reheat leftover Beef Wellington, slice it and place the slices on a baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
5. Can I freeze Beef Wellington? Yes, you can freeze Beef Wellington. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To thaw, transfer it to the refrigerator overnight. Reheat as directed.