Unleash The Gourmet: How To Cook Beef Wellington From Whole Foods

Indulge in the exquisite art of cooking Beef Wellington from the comfort of your own kitchen. Using premium ingredients from Whole Foods, this guide will walk you through the intricate steps to create this culinary masterpiece.

Ingredients

• 1 (3-pound) beef tenderloin
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1 pound cremini mushrooms, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup dry red wine
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 pound puff pastry, thawed
• 1 egg, beaten

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

• Season the beef tenderloin generously with salt and pepper.
• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Sear the beef on all sides until golden brown, about 4 minutes per side.
• Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Make the Duxelles

• Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add the onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
• Add the mushrooms and cook until softened and browned, about 8 minutes.
• Stir in the red wine and cook until reduced by half, about 2 minutes.
• Add the beef broth and cook until reduced by half, about 5 minutes.
• Add the heavy cream and cook until thickened, about 2 minutes.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Wrap the Beef

• Spread the cooled Duxelles mixture evenly over the seared beef tenderloin.
• Wrap the beef in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.

Step 4: Roll the Beef in Puff Pastry

• On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry to a 12×12-inch square.
• Unwrap the beef and place it in the center of the puff pastry.
• Fold the puff pastry over the beef, pressing the edges to seal.
• Trim the excess pastry and crimp the edges to create a decorative border.

Step 5: Glaze and Bake

• Brush the Beef Wellington with the beaten egg.
• Place on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
• Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Bake the Beef Wellington for 30-35 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the internal temperature of the beef reaches 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

• Remove the Beef Wellington from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
• Garnish with fresh herbs or vegetables of your choice.

The Art of Carving

• Use a sharp knife to carefully slice the Beef Wellington into thick rounds.
• Serve immediately with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a rich sauce.

A Culinary Triumph

Congratulations! You have now mastered the art of cooking Beef Wellington from Whole Foods. This exquisite dish is a testament to your culinary prowess and will impress even the most discerning palate.

Basics You Wanted To Know

Q: What is the best cut of beef to use for Beef Wellington?
A: A 3-pound beef tenderloin is the ideal cut for its tenderness and consistent shape.

Q: Can I make the Duxelles mixture ahead of time?
A: Yes, the Duxelles mixture can be made up to 3 days in advance and refrigerated.

Q: How do I achieve a perfectly golden-brown crust on the puff pastry?
A: Brush the Beef Wellington with beaten egg and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before baking. This will help the pastry rise and brown evenly.

Q: What is the ideal internal temperature for medium-rare Beef Wellington?
A: 135°F (57°C)

Q: Can I freeze Beef Wellington?
A: Yes, Beef Wellington can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.