Beef Wellington

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Beef:
   • Preheat your oven to 220°C (200°C fan-forced).
   • Season the beef eye tenderloin generously with salt and pepper.
   • Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over high heat.
   • Sear the beef tenderloin on all sides until well-browned (about 2 minutes per side).
   • Remove the beef from the pan and brush it with Dijon mustard. Set it aside to cool.
2. Make the Duxelles:
   • In the same pan, melt the butter over medium heat.
   • Add the chopped mushrooms, shallots, garlic, and thyme. Sauté until the mushrooms release their moisture and the mixture becomes dry (about 10 minutes).
   • Stir in the parsley and season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and let it cool.
3. Assemble the Wellington:
   • Lay out a sheet of cling film on a clean surface. Arrange the prosciutto slices on the cling film, overlapping them slightly.
   • Spread the duxelles mixture evenly over the prosciutto.
   • If using pâté, spread it over the beef tenderloin.
   • Place the beef tenderloin on top of the duxelles-covered prosciutto.
   • Use the cling film to wrap the prosciutto tightly around the beef, forming a log. Chill in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.
4. Wrap in Puff Pastry:
   • Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle large enough to enclose the beef tenderloin.
   • Remove the cling film from the beef tenderloin and place it in the centre of the puff pastry.
   • Fold the pastry over the beef, sealing the edges with a bit of water.
   • Trim any excess pastry and press the edges to seal tightly. Brush the entire pastry with the beaten egg.
5. Bake:
   • Place the wrapped beef Wellington on a baking tray lined with baking paper.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crisp.
   • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches around 55°C for medium-rare. Adjust baking time if needed.
6. Serve:
   • Allow the Wellington to rest for 15 minutes before slicing. Serve with your choice of sides, such as roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.