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Beef Wellington is a luxurious and impressive dish that combines tender beef with a flavorful mushroom duxelles and flaky pastry. Preparing it at home can seem daunting, but with careful steps, you can create a restaurant-quality meal. This guide will walk you through the process of preparing and cooking a classic Beef Wellington in your own kitchen.
Ingredients Needed
- 1.5 to 2 pounds beef tenderloin (center-cut)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 8 ounces mushrooms (such as cremini or button), finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small shallot, minced
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 8 slices prosciutto
- 1 package puff pastry (thawed)
- 1 egg (beaten for egg wash)
Preparation Steps
Preparing the Beef
Season the beef tenderloin generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over high heat. Sear the beef on all sides until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from heat and let it cool completely.
Making the Mushroom Duxelles
In the same skillet, melt butter and add chopped mushrooms, garlic, and shallot. Cook over medium heat until moisture evaporates and mixture becomes paste-like, about 10 minutes. Deglaze with white wine if desired. Let it cool.
Assembling the Wellington
Lay plastic wrap on a work surface. Arrange prosciutto slices overlapping slightly. Spread mushroom duxelles over prosciutto. Place cooled beef in the center and use plastic wrap to roll the prosciutto around the beef tightly. Chill for 15 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface. Remove plastic wrap from beef and place in the center of the pastry. Fold the pastry over the beef, sealing the edges. Brush with beaten egg for a golden finish.
Cooking the Beef Wellington
Place the assembled Wellington on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Serving Suggestions
Slice the Beef Wellington carefully and serve with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables or a light salad. A red wine reduction or a rich gravy complements the dish beautifully. Enjoy your homemade gourmet meal!