beef wellington recipe uk for 2

The Ultimate Beef Wellington Recipe for Two in the UK

If you're looking for a show-stopping dish to impress your significant other or a special guest, look no further than Beef Wellington. This classic British recipe is a staple of fine dining, and with our simplified recipe, you can create a mouth-watering Beef Wellington for two in the comfort of your own UK kitchen.

What is Beef Wellington?

Beef Wellington is a tenderloin of beef coated in a layer of duxelles (a mixture of mushrooms, herbs, and spices) and wrapped in puff pastry. The pastry is then baked to a golden brown, creating a crispy, flaky crust that gives way to a tender, pink beef centre. It's a dish that's sure to impress, and with our recipe, you can make it in under an hour.

Ingredients:

- 1 (280g) beef tenderloin

- 1/2 cup duxelles (see below for recipe)

- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed

- 1 egg, beaten (for brushing pastry)

- Salt and pepper to taste

Duxelles Recipe:

- 1/2 cup finely chopped mushrooms (such as shiitake or cremini)

- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

- 1/2 teaspoon salt

- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Season the beef tenderloin with salt and pepper. In a hot skillet, sear the beef on all sides until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from heat and let cool.

In a small bowl, mix together the duxelles ingredients. Spread the duxelles over the cooled beef, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry to a large rectangle, about 1/4-inch thick. Place the beef in the centre of the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around the beef. Brush the edges of the pastry with the beaten egg.

Roll the pastry over the beef, starting with one long side. Pinch the seam closed and trim any excess pastry. Place the Wellington on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, seam-side down.

Brush the top of the pastry with the remaining egg and cut a few slits in the top to allow steam to escape. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed.

Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving. Serve with your choice of sides, such as roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.

Tips and Variations:

- To ensure the pastry is golden brown, brush it with a little bit of water before baking.

- If you're short on time, use store-bought duxelles or mushroom pâté.

- Experiment with different herbs and spices in the duxelles, such as rosemary or paprika.

With this simplified recipe, you can create a stunning Beef Wellington for two in the UK that's sure to impress. So go ahead, get creative, and indulge in this classic British dish!