Beef Wellington is a classic English dish. This is made by coating the steaks of beef tenderloin with pate or mushroom duxelles, wrapping it in puff pastry, and then baking it. The tenderloin maybe used as a whole or may be cut in slices before baking. This is a traditional recipe and is often made during special occasions in England. It is now popular in other countries including the United States.
History
The history of beef wellington is somewhat vague, and there are several theories on how the dish got its name. Although the term “Wellington” is used to refer to dishes baked in pastry, the most popular story is that this dish is named after the first Duke of Wellington because of his love for beef dishes in pastry. Several other accounts refute this in favor of an entirely different theory. The French dish called filet de bœuf en croute is said to be the precursor to the beef wellington.
Ingredients Used & Method of Preparation
The ingredients required include fillet mignon, egg, mushroom duxelles, puff pastry, and butter. Spices such as ginger, allspice, curry are also used.
This is how the dish is usually made:
· Fillet is seasoned with pepper and salt.
· It is then cooked and browned on both sides, after which it is allowed to cool.
· Mushroom duxelles are placed in the rolled out pastry sheet.
· The fillet is placed over the duxelles.
· The pastry sheet is wrapped up around the fillet, brushed with egg mixture, and sealed.
· It is then baked until done.
Serving and Eating
The beef wellington is cut into thick slices and served along with sauce and cooked vegetables on the side.
Popular Variations
Beef Wellington can be made with variations including using Pâté de foie gras instead of mushroom duxelles. The pâté de foie gras is made from fattened duck or goose liver.
Nutritional Facts
A traditional beef Wellington consists of:
Calories – 700
Protein – 50 g
Fat – 50 g
Cholesterol – 130 mg.
(The above figures are approximate).
Health Information
Although this dish is a rich source of protein, it also consists of a good amount of fat, which is not good for the heart. The puff pastry adds to the fat content of the dish. Therefore, this dish can be reserved for special occasions and can be had in moderation by people who are predisposed to heart disease.
Ideas for a Healthier Version
· The steak itself can be replaced by the prime rib, which is low in fat.
· A low-fat pancake mix can be used in place of the puff pastry.
Beef Wellington and St. George’s Day
St. George’s day is celebrated on April 23 of every year to honor the patron saint, St. George. This day is celebrated with a wide variety of traditional English dishes. The Beef Wellington, being a classic English dish, is ideal to be prepared on this special day.