French Christmas Beef Wellington

1. Recipe Title: French Christmas Beef Wellington

2. Brief Description: This French Christmas Beef Wellington is a show-stopping dish perfect for holiday gatherings. Tender beef tenderloin coated with mushroom duxelles, wrapped in puff pastry, and baked to golden perfection.

3. Servings: 7-8 people

4. Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

5. Ingredients:

- 2 lb beef tenderloin

- Salt and pepper, to taste

- 2 tbsp olive oil

- 1 lb mushrooms, finely chopped

- 4 cloves garlic, minced

- 2 tbsp butter

- 1/4 cup dry white wine

- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed

- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

6. Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Season the beef tenderloin with salt and pepper on all sides.

3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the beef tenderloin on all sides until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and let it cool.

4. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and garlic, and sauté until the mushrooms release their liquid and it evaporates, about 8-10 minutes.

5. Deglaze the skillet with white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Cook until the liquid has evaporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and let it cool.

6. Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface to a rectangle large enough to wrap the beef tenderloin completely.

7. Spread the mushroom mixture evenly over the puff pastry.

8. Place the seared beef tenderloin in the center of the puff pastry and carefully wrap it with the puff pastry, sealing the edges.

9. Place the wrapped beef Wellington seam side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

10. Brush the puff pastry with the beaten egg for a golden finish.

11. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the puff pastry is golden brown and the beef reaches your desired level of doneness.

12. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

7. Special Tips or Variations:

- For extra flavor, you can add a layer of prosciutto or pâté on top of the beef tenderloin before adding the mushroom mixture.

- Serve the Beef Wellington with a side of roasted vegetables and a red wine sauce for a complete holiday meal.