Are you looking for a recipe that will impress your guests and leave them speechless? Look no further than this Ina Garten Beef Wellington recipe! While the name might sound intimidating, this elegant dish is surprisingly manageable, even for home cooks. This guide simplifies the process, making this delicious and impressive meal achievable for your next dinner party or special occasion. Get ready to elevate your homemade cooking game with this truly spectacular recipe!
Ingredients:
This recipe yields a magnificent 6-8 serving Beef Wellington.
For the Beef:
- 2 pounds center-cut beef tenderloin, trimmed of silver skin
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For the Duxelles:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large shallot, finely chopped
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup dry sherry
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For the Wellington:
- 1 sheet (14.1 ounces) frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
Instructions:
Preparing the Beef:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the beef tenderloin dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef tenderloin on all sides until nicely browned, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare. Remember, the beef will continue to cook slightly after it's removed from the oven.
- Remove the beef from the oven and let it rest on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before proceeding. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product.
Making the Duxelles:
- While the beef is resting, prepare the duxelles. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shallot and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until they release their moisture and brown, about 8-10 minutes.
- Stir in the sherry, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook until the sherry has reduced slightly, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
Assembling the Wellington:
- Once the beef and duxelles have cooled, place a piece of plastic wrap on your work surface. Spread the duxelles evenly over the plastic wrap.
- Place the rested beef tenderloin on top of the duxelles. Using the plastic wrap, carefully tighten the duxelles around the beef, creating an even layer.
- Gently roll up the beef in the plastic wrap, creating a tight cylinder. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up. This step is crucial for easier handling.
- On a lightly floured surface, unfold the puff pastry. Remove the beef from the plastic wrap. Place the beef in the center of the pastry.
- Fold the pastry over the beef, tucking the edges underneath to create a neat parcel. Crimp the edges to seal.
- Brush the pastry with the beaten egg and cut several slits on the top to allow steam to escape.
- Place the Wellington seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Refrigerate for another 30 minutes.
Baking the Wellington:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Bake the Wellington for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the internal temperature of the beef reaches your desired doneness.
- Let the Wellington rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor, you can add a tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the duxelles.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of mushrooms.
- If you don't have sherry, you can substitute with dry white wine or chicken broth.
- For a simpler version, you can skip the duxelles and simply wrap the seared beef in puff pastry.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 600-700
- Protein: 40-50g
- Fat: 40-50g
- Carbohydrates: 20-30g
This decadent Beef Wellington is perfect for impressing your loved ones with your culinary skills. It's a delicious dish that combines the richness of beef with the delicate flakiness of puff pastry. Enjoy!