Beef Wellington

Ingredients and Weight:

• Beef tenderloin: 2 pounds (900 grams)
• Prosciutto or ham: 4 slices
• Fresh mushroom mix (such as shiitake, button, and cremini): 8 oz (225 grams)
• Fresh thyme: 2 tablespoons
• Duxelles (mushroom sauce): 1/4 cup
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Puff pastry: 1 packet (approximately 1 pound)
• Egg, beaten, for sealing and glazing

Preparation Time:

• Preparation: 30 minutes
• Cooking: 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours

Difficulty Level: Level 4 (Moderate to Advanced)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Season the beef tenderloin with salt and pepper.
3. In a hot pan, brown the beef tenderloin on all sides. Remove and let it cool.
4. Line a baking sheet with prosciutto or ham slices. Place the browned beef tenderloin in the center.
5. Top the beef with the mushroom mix and duxelles, spreading evenly.
6. Roll out the puff pastry and place it over the beef, sealing the edges with beaten egg.
7. Brush the top of the pastry with the beaten egg for a golden glaze.
8. Place in the preheated oven and bake until the pastry is golden and the beef is cooked to medium-rare doneness.
9. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Nutritional Information: (Per serving, assuming 8 servings total) Calories: Approx. 600-700 per serving (depending on cooking methods and personal additions) Fat: Approx. 30-40 grams per serving (including saturated fat) Carbohydrates: Approx. 30-40 grams per serving (from pastry) Protein: Approx. 30-40 grams per serving (from beef)

Dish Characteristics:

• A classic dish with a rich, savory flavor profile.
• The beef is tender and juicy, with a mushroom-ham flavor that is both hearty and luxurious.
• The puff pastry provides a crispy, flaky contrast to the soft beef and mushroom filling.

User Comments:

1. "The Beef Wellington was excellent! The pastry was crispy and the beef was tender and flavorful."
2. "I loved the combination of mushrooms and prosciutto in this dish. It was a real highlight of my meal."
3. "The Beef Wellington was a bit challenging to prepare but well worth the effort. It was a real showstopper at my dinner party."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Make sure to use a high-quality beef tenderloin for best results.
• Use fresh mushrooms for maximum flavor in the duxelles (mushroom sauce).
• When sealing the pastry, ensure the edges are well-sealed to prevent leakage during baking.
• Adjust the cooking time based on your oven's temperature and the desired doneness of your beef.