Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving something impressive yet surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! These mini Beef Wellingtons are the perfect solution for your next dinner party or a special weeknight meal. They're elegant enough to wow your guests, but simple enough for even beginner cooks to master. Get ready to elevate your homemade cooking game with this delicious and surprisingly quick recipe.
Ingredients:
This recipe makes approximately 12 mini Beef Wellingtons.
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For the Beef:
- 1 lb beef tenderloin, trimmed of silver skin and cut into 12 equal pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
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For the Duxelles:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 8 oz cremini mushrooms, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
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For Assembly:
- 1 sheet (14.1 oz) puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Season the beef pieces generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef on all sides until browned, about 1-2 minutes per side. This step helps to seal in the juices and adds flavor. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Duxelles
In the same skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the shallot and cook until softened, about 2 minutes. Add the mushrooms and garlic and cook until the mushrooms have released their moisture and browned slightly, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute, then remove from heat and let cool completely.
Step 3: Assemble the Mini Beef Wellingtons
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry slightly. Cut the pastry into 12 equal squares. Place a spoonful of the duxelles mixture onto the center of each square. Top with a piece of seared beef.
Step 4: Wrap and Bake
Fold the pastry over the beef and duxelles, forming a parcel. Crimp the edges to seal. Brush the tops with the beaten egg. Place the mini Beef Wellingtons on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the beef is cooked to your desired doneness. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Mini Beef Wellingtons:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: When searing the beef, make sure to work in batches to ensure even browning.
- Cool the duxelles completely: This prevents the pastry from becoming soggy.
- Use high-quality ingredients: The flavor of the finished dish will be greatly enhanced by using good quality beef and fresh mushrooms.
- Adjust cooking time: Cooking time may vary depending on the size of your beef pieces and your oven. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the beef is cooked to your desired doneness (medium-rare is recommended for beef tenderloin).
Variations:
- Add some cheese: Incorporate a sprinkle of grated Gruyere or Parmesan cheese into the duxelles for extra flavor.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the duxelles for a little heat.
- Herb variations: Experiment with different herbs such as rosemary or parsley in the duxelles.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 300-350 Protein: Approximately 25g Fat: Approximately 20g Carbohydrates: Approximately 10g
These mini Beef Wellingtons are a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals. They're perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a special dinner at home. This quick dinner idea is sure to become a new favorite. Enjoy!