Beef Wellington


 Cuisine: British  Type: Entree

Beef Wellington : Entree in British cuisine - Recipe, Calorie Info, Healthy alternatives & more on EatM3
 Representative image. Recipe yield may differ

 Amounts


 Ingredient
 Amount (g)
Beef Fillet
1 whole (800)
Puff Pastry
500 grams (500)
Prosciutto Slices
8 slices (120)
Mushrooms
250 grams (250)
Dijon Mustard
2 tablespoons (30)
Egg
1 whole (50)
Salt
1 teaspoon (5)
Black Pepper
1 teaspoon (5)
Olive Oil
2 tablespoons (30)
Butter
2 tablespoons (30)
 Totals
64 oz (1,820 g)

 Calories 


 Ingredient
 Calories (kcal)
Beef
250
Puff Pastry
400
Mushrooms
30
Onions
40
Dijon Mustard
5
Egg
70
Salt
0
Pepper
0
Olive Oil
120
Total
915
 Totals
1,830 kcal

 Steps 


Step 1: Preparing the Beef
- Season the beef tenderloin with salt and pepper.
- Heat oil in a pan and sear the beef on all sides until browned.
- Remove the beef from the pan and let it cool completely.

Step 2: Preparing the Mushroom Duxelles
- In the same pan, melt butter and sauté finely chopped mushrooms until they release their moisture.
- Add minced garlic, thyme, and finely chopped shallots to the pan and cook until the mixture is dry.
- Remove from heat and let it cool.

Step 3: Assembling the Beef Wellington
- Lay out a sheet of plastic wrap and place overlapping slices of prosciutto on it.
- Spread the mushroom duxelles evenly over the prosciutto.
- Place the seared beef tenderloin on top of the mushroom duxelles.
- Use the plastic wrap to tightly wrap the prosciutto and mushroom mixture around the beef, forming a tight log shape.
- Chill the wrapped beef in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes.

Step 4: Wrapping in Puff Pastry
- Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface into a rectangular shape.
- Unwrap the chilled beef from the plastic wrap and place it in the center of the puff pastry.
- Fold the pastry over the beef, sealing the edges by pressing firmly.
- Trim off any excess pastry and use the trimmed pieces to decorate the top if desired.
- Brush the pastry with beaten egg for a golden finish.

Step 5: Baking the Beef Wellington
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the wrapped beef on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and crisp.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Step 6: Serving
- Slice the Beef Wellington into thick portions and serve immediately.
- It pairs well with a rich red wine sauce, roasted vegetables, or a side of mashed potatoes.

Note: Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the beef and the desired level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches your preferred level of doneness (e.g., 125°F/52°C for medium-rare).

 Substitutions 


Substitutions/Alterations for Beef Wellington:

1. Beef Tenderloin:
- Pork tenderloin (same quantity): Adjust cooking time as pork may require longer cooking than beef.

2. Puff Pastry:
- Store-bought pie crust (same quantity): Roll out the pie crust to fit the size of the beef and adjust cooking time as needed.

3. Duxelles (Mushroom mixture):
- Finely chopped mushrooms (same quantity) sautéed with garlic and herbs: Adjust cooking time to ensure mushrooms are fully cooked.

4. Prosciutto:
- Smoked bacon (same quantity): Use thinly sliced bacon to wrap the beef.

5. English Mustard:
- Dijon mustard (same quantity): Use Dijon mustard for a similar tangy flavor.

6. Egg wash:
- Milk (same quantity): Brush the pastry with milk for a golden color.

7. Salt and Pepper:
- Seasonings of your choice: Adjust to taste.

8. Foie Gras (optional):
- Pâté or liverwurst (same quantity): Use a similar spreadable liver-based product.

Note: Beef Wellington is a classic dish, and these substitutions may alter the taste and texture slightly. Adjust cooking times as needed to ensure all ingredients are cooked properly.

 Pairings 


- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Roasted asparagus
- Steamed green beans
- Buttered carrots
- Truffle mashed cauliflower
- Yorkshire pudding
- Red wine reduction sauce
- Horseradish cream sauce
- Caramelized onions
- Mixed green salad with balsamic vinaigrette
- Roasted garlic mushrooms
- Roasted butternut squash
- Red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Bordeaux
- Stout beer, such as Guinness or Porter
- Sparkling water with a slice of lemon

 Upgrades 


1. Improve presentation:
- Create a decorative lattice pattern with puff pastry on top of the Beef Wellington.
- Garnish the plate with fresh herbs, such as thyme or parsley, for a pop of color.
- Use a pastry brush to lightly glaze the puff pastry with an egg wash for a glossy finish.

2. Improve texture/flavor profile:
- Add a layer of sautéed mushrooms and caramelized onions between the beef and the puff pastry for an extra depth of flavor.
- Incorporate a thin layer of truffle paste or truffle butter on top of the beef before wrapping it in puff pastry to enhance the richness.
- Sprinkle a small amount of finely chopped roasted garlic on top of the beef for a subtle hint of sweetness.

3. Elevate with luxurious/premium ingredients:
- Replace regular beef with prime cuts, such as filet mignon, for a more tender and succulent result.
- Introduce a layer of foie gras or pâté de foie gras on top of the beef to add a luxurious and velvety texture.
- Use black truffle slices as a garnish on top of the Beef Wellington to elevate the dish with a distinct and earthy flavor.

 Diet Restrictions 


1. Gluten-free: Replace the traditional puff pastry with gluten-free puff pastry or use a gluten-free crust alternative.
2. Dairy-free: Substitute butter with a dairy-free margarine or oil for browning the beef and sautéing the mushrooms.
3. Low-carb/keto: Replace the puff pastry with a low-carb alternative like almond flour or coconut flour crust. Use a leaner cut of beef to reduce the overall fat content.
4. Vegetarian: Replace the beef with a meat substitute like seitan, tofu, or portobello mushrooms. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
5. Vegan: Combine the vegetarian approach with dairy-free and egg-free alternatives for the puff pastry or crust.
6. Reduced sodium: Use low-sodium or no-salt-added beef broth, and season the beef and mushroom filling with herbs and spices to enhance flavor without relying on excessive salt.
7. Paleo: Replace the puff pastry with a grain-free crust made from almond flour or coconut flour. Use grass-fed beef for a more natural and leaner option.
8. Heart-healthy: Choose lean cuts of beef, trim excess fat, and use a whole wheat or whole grain pastry for added fiber. Limit the use of butter or oil in the recipe.
9. Allergies: Adjust the recipe to avoid any specific allergens, such as using an alternative crust and avoiding ingredients like nuts, eggs, or dairy, depending on the specific allergy.
10. Weight management: Reduce the portion size of the beef and increase the proportion of vegetables in the filling. Opt for a lighter crust or skip it altogether.

Note: It's always important to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized dietary advice based on specific health conditions or restrictions.

 Healthy Choices 


- Use lean cuts of beef, such as tenderloin, to reduce saturated fat content.
- Replace the traditional puff pastry with whole wheat or gluten-free pastry for added fiber.
- Instead of using pâté or liver, create a flavorful mushroom duxelles for the filling to reduce cholesterol and saturated fat.
- Opt for low-sodium beef broth or homemade stock to control sodium intake.
- Consider using a cooking spray or minimal oil to reduce the amount of added fat.
- Serve smaller portions to control calorie intake.
- Include a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to increase the nutritional value of the meal.
- Use fresh herbs and spices to enhance flavor without relying on excessive salt or butter.
- Consider alternative cooking methods like grilling or baking instead of pan-searing to reduce added fat.
- Prioritize high-quality ingredients to ensure the best taste and nutritional value.

 Shortcuts 


1. Opt for pre-made puff pastry instead of making it from scratch to save time.
2. Use a cheaper cut of beef, such as sirloin or tenderloin, instead of filet mignon.
3. Replace the traditional pâté with a more affordable mushroom or vegetable duxelles.
4. Skip the step of searing the beef before wrapping it in pastry, as it will still cook inside the pastry.
5. Consider using frozen or store-bought pâté instead of making it from scratch to save time and effort.
6. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the beef is cooked to your desired doneness, reducing the risk of overcooking.
7. Prepare individual-sized Beef Wellingtons instead of one large one to save on cooking time and portion control.
8. Experiment with alternative herbs and spices to create a unique flavor profile while using more cost-effective ingredients.
9. Serve the Beef Wellington with a simple sauce, like a red wine reduction, instead of a complex sauce to save time and ingredients.
10. Prepare the components of the dish in advance, such as the duxelles or pastry, and assemble just before baking for a quicker process.