Beef Wellington Bites - Day 19

Beef Wellington Bites bring together tender beef, rich mushrooms, and flaky pastry into elegant, bite-sized appetisers perfect for Christmas. These mini versions of the traditional Beef Wellington offer a refined touch to your festive menu. Their appealing presentation and rich flavours make them an impressive choice for entertaining, providing a luxurious treat that’s easy to enjoy. These bites capture the essence of the classic dish, blending the savoury beef with the earthy mushroom mixture, all wrapped in a golden, buttery pastry. Ideal for a sophisticated gathering, they are sure to add a note of festive indulgence.

To craft these delicious bites, you will need the following ingredients:

Ingredients

• Beef: For these bites I used a nice steak
• Puff pastry
• Mushrooms
• Shallots or onions
• Garlic
• Wholegrain mustard
• Egg
• Salt, and pepper.

Opt for high-quality fillet for its tenderness and a butter-rich puff pastry for a flaky finish. Fresh mushrooms and herbs are essential for the mushroom duxelles. Ensure you have a good wholegrain mustard on hand to add a layer of flavour. The egg will be used for brushing the pastry to give it a glossy appearance once baked.

Method

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan) or gas mark 6.
2. First, season the steak with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Heat a little oil in a pan over medium-high heat, then sear the steak on all sides until it's nicely browned. This searing process not only locks in the juices but also adds a delicious caramelised flavour to the meat.
4. Once the beef is seared, transfer it to a plate and let it rest. This resting period is crucial, as it ensures the meat remains tender and juicy when it is later encased in the pastry.

5. Begin by finely chopping the mushrooms, shallots, and garlic.
6. In a pan, melt a knob of butter over medium heat, then add the chopped shallots and garlic. Cook until they become soft and translucent.
7. Next, add the mushrooms to the pan, stirring occasionally. Continue to cook until the mushrooms release their moisture and the mixture reduces to a thick, aromatic consistency.
8. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. The resulting mixture should be rich and fragrant, providing a perfect balance to the seared beef and flaky pastry.
9. Roll out the puff pastry and cut it into squares that will comfortably encase the beef and mushroom mixture.

10. Cut your rested steak into bit size pieces and leave to one side.
11. Apply a thin layer of wholegrain mustard to each piece of pastry. Place a piece of steak on the mustard and then a spoonful of the prepared mushroom on top of the steak. Carefully wrap the pastry around the beef and mushroom mixture, ensuring the edges are sealed firmly to prevent any leakage during baking.

12. Arrange each parcel seam-side up on a lined baking tray. Lightly brush the tops with a beaten egg to achieve a glossy, golden finish once baked.
13. Place the prepared Beef Wellington Bites on a lined baking tray, making sure to space them evenly to ensure proper air circulation. This spacing helps achieve an even bake. Slide the tray into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, keeping an eye on the colour of the pastry. It should turn a beautiful golden brown, indicating it's perfectly baked.

14. The puff pastry will become crisp and flaky, enveloping the tender beef and rich mushroom duxelles. For added assurance, you can check the internal temperature of the beef, aiming for a medium-rare doneness.
15. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving to enhance the flavours and ensure they are at an ideal temperature for enjoyment.

For a visually appealing display, place the Beef Wellington Bites on a stylish platter, enhancing their presentation with sprigs of fresh herbs or a scattering of edible flowers. These appetisers are best accompanied by a variety of sauces to highlight their rich flavours; consider offering a classic red wine reduction or a creamy horseradish sauce. Both options provide a delightful contrast to the savoury beef and earthy mushroom duxelles encased in the crisp, golden pastry.

To create a well-rounded festive spread, pair the bites with a crisp winter salad featuring seasonal ingredients like pomegranate seeds, toasted nuts, and a tangy vinaigrette. Roasted vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, carrots, or parsnips also make excellent side dishes, adding warmth and depth to the meal.

For a more interactive dining experience, you could set up a DIY station where guests can customise their bites with different toppings and sauces. Offer small bowls of caramelised onions, sautéed spinach, or even a dollop of truffle oil to allow guests to personalise their appetisers.

These serving suggestions not only enhance the flavours but also add to the festive atmosphere, making your Christmas gathering truly memorable.

Final Thoughts & Tips

Creating these delicious Beef Wellington Bites for your Christmas celebration is a delightful way to impress your guests. To achieve the best results, ensure that your beef is seared properly to lock in juices, and don't forget to let it rest before wrapping in the pastry. Pay attention to the quality of your ingredients, especially the beef fillet and puff pastry, as these will greatly impact the final dish.

For added convenience, you can prepare the mushroom duxelles ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you're ready to assemble the bites. This can help streamline your cooking process, making it less stressful on the day of your event. When wrapping the bites, be meticulous in sealing the pastry edges to prevent any filling from escaping during baking.

Experimenting with different flavours can add a unique touch to your appetisers. A small piece of blue cheese or a drizzle of truffle oil inside each bite can elevate the taste and surprise your guests. If you have any leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge and gently reheated in the oven to maintain their crispness.

By following these tips and taking care with your preparation, you will create a memorable and elegant dish that perfectly complements the festive season. Enjoy the process and savour the results!

If you make this dish, why not send me a picture on Instagram using the #acountrygirlskitchen so I can go over and show it some love.

I hope you all have a wonderful day.

*Chefs Kiss*