Beef Wellington is a classic British dish that features a tender, juicy fillet of beef wrapped in a savory duxelles (a finely chopped mixture of mushrooms, onions, and herbs) and puff pastry. The dish is then baked until the pastry is golden and crispy, while the beef remains tender and medium-rare inside. Beef Wellington is often served at special occasions, as it is an elegant and impressive dish. Here’s an in-depth recipe and guide to making a delicious Beef Wellington:

Ingredients:

  • 2 lb (900g) center-cut beef tenderloin, trimmed and tied
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 lb (450g) cremini or button mushrooms, finely chopped
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 14 oz (400g) puff pastry, thawed if frozen
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 8 slices of prosciutto or Parma ham
  • 2 cups red wine (optional, for sauce)
  • 2 cups beef stock (optional, for sauce)
  • 2 tbsp cold unsalted butter (optional, for sauce)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400ยฐF (200ยฐC). Season the beef tenderloin generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  2. In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Sear the beef on all sides until it develops a nice crust, about 2-3 minutes per side. Once seared, set the beef aside to cool. Then, brush it with the Dijon mustard and allow it to rest.
  3. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped mushrooms, onions, garlic, thyme, and parsley. Cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms have released their moisture and the mixture is dry, about 15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, and let the duxelles cool.
  4. Lay a large piece of plastic wrap on a clean work surface. Arrange the prosciutto slices on the plastic wrap, slightly overlapping, to form a rectangular shape large enough to wrap around the beef tenderloin. Spread the cooled duxelles evenly over the prosciutto.
  5. Place the beef tenderloin on top of the duxelles-covered prosciutto. Using the plastic wrap, wrap the prosciutto and duxelles tightly around the beef, twisting the ends of the plastic wrap to secure. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to help the Wellington hold its shape.
  6. Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to form a rectangle large enough to encase the beef. Remove the plastic wrap from the beef and place it in the center of the puff pastry. Brush the edges of the pastry with the beaten egg.
  7. Fold the pastry around the beef, sealing the edges well to prevent leakage. Trim any excess pastry, and use a fork to press the edges together. Place the wrapped beef seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the entire Wellington with the beaten egg to create a golden crust. Optionally, use the excess pastry to create decorative shapes to place on top of the Wellington.
  8. Bake the Beef Wellington for 35-40 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the internal temperature of the beef reaches 125ยฐF (52ยฐC) for medium-rare. Remove from the oven and allow the Wellington to rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
  9. (Optional) While the Wellington bakes, prepare the red wine sauce. In a saucepan, bring the red wine to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat and let the wine simmer until it has reduced by half, about 15-20 minutes. Add the beef stock and continue to simmer until the sauce has thickened slightly and reduced by half again, another 15-20 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remove the sauce from the heat and whisk in the cold butter, one tablespoon at a time, until the sauce is glossy and smooth. Keep the sauce warm until ready to serve.
  10. To serve, use a sharp knife to slice the Beef Wellington into 1-inch (2.5 cm) thick slices. Arrange the slices on a serving platter or individual plates. If you prepared the red wine sauce, drizzle it over the slices or serve it on the side.
  11. Beef Wellington is often served with traditional side dishes such as roasted or mashed potatoes, steamed or roasted vegetables (like green beans, asparagus, or carrots), and a simple green salad. Choose your favorite sides to complement this elegant dish.
  12. With these detailed instructions, you can create a showstopping Beef Wellington that will impress your guests and delight their taste buds. The combination of tender beef, savory duxelles, and crispy puff pastry makes this dish a memorable culinary experience. Enjoy the process of creating this classic recipe, and savor the delicious results.