### Mini Beef Wellington: The Ultimate Holiday Starter
These enchanting mini beef wellingtons offer a delightful variation on the traditional dish, rendering them a fantastic starter for festive gatherings. With their golden, flaky pastry shell and succulent, juicy beef core, they are bound to captivate your guests.
#### A Bite-Sized Delight
Mini beef wellingtons embody the spirit of the classic recipe but in a more digestible form. Each morsel showcases exquisitely cooked medium-rare beef, enhanced by layers of flavor from thinly sliced prosciutto, thyme-infused mushrooms, and a touch of Dijon mustard. They are not just visually striking but also bursting with flavor, making them a remarkable selection for celebratory occasions.
#### Ingredients
To craft these mini treats, gather the following components:
– 1 tbsp butter
– 1 lb mushrooms, finely chopped
– 2-3 sprigs fresh thyme
– 1 lb beef tenderloin or filet, cubed (1.5 inches)
– 1 tbsp neutral oil
– Salt and freshly cracked pepper
– 1-2 tbsp Dijon mustard (to taste)
– 6 slices Prosciutto di Parma
– 2 sheets puff pastry (thawed)
– 1 egg yolk (lightly beaten with 1 tsp water)
#### Preparation Steps
1. **Mushroom Mixture**: Heat butter over medium-low heat. Introduce mushrooms and thyme, allowing them to cook without stirring for 5 minutes. Stir and keep cooking until moisture evaporates, forming a smooth paste. Season with salt and pepper, then let cool to room temperature.
2. **Sear the Beef**: Dry the beef cubes with a paper towel and season with salt and pepper. Heat the oil in a cast iron skillet over high heat and sear the beef on all sides for around 1 minute. Remove from the heat and allow to rest.
3. **Assemble the Filling**: Generously brush Dijon mustard on all sides of the beef. On a piece of plastic wrap, place a slice of prosciutto, spread a thin layer of the mushroom mixture, and position the beef cube in the center. Wrap tightly and chill in the freezer for 10-15 minutes.
4. **Prepare the Pastry**: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Cut the puff pastry into strips that match the width of the beef packages. Unwrap the beef and lay it on a strip of pastry, wrapping it snugly. Use water to seal the edges.
5. **Bake**: Arrange the wellingtons seam side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush with the egg wash, score gently with a knife, and sprinkle with coarse salt. Bake for 10 minutes, rotate the pan, raise the temperature to 450°F, and bake for an extra 10 minutes or until golden brown.
6. **Serve**: Let the wellingtons rest before serving. They can be relished on their own or paired with garlic mashed potatoes for a complete experience.
#### Nutritional Information
Each serving of mini beef wellington provides approximately:
– **Calories**: 591
– **Fat**: 34.9g
– **Saturated Fat**: 15.1g
– **Cholesterol**: 100mg
– **Sodium**: 1019mg
– **Carbohydrates**: 34.6g
– **Protein**: 38.4g
#### Conclusion
These mini beef wellingtons are not just visually appealing but also a delightful way to enjoy the holiday season. Their complex flavors and sophisticated presentation make them an ideal addition to any festive spread. Dedicate time to prepare these wonderful treats, and you will undoubtedly impress your loved ones. Enjoy the culinary adventure!