Wellington Filet by Gordon Ramsay

Filet Wellington – an unforgettable culinary masterpiece

When you think of a dish that impresses both in taste and appearance, Filet Wellington is certainly on the list of the most refined choices. This recipe, popularized by the famous culinary personality Gordon Ramsay, has become a symbol of elegance in the kitchen. Filet Wellington harmoniously combines succulent beef, aromatic mushrooms, and a crispy layer of puff pastry, creating an unforgettable culinary experience.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45-60 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Necessary ingredients

- 450 g beef fillet
- 450 g mushrooms (preferably champignon or shiitake)
- 2 medium carrots
- 3-4 cloves of garlic
- 1 glass of white wine (recommended Martini)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 sprig of fresh rosemary
- 4 slices of prosciutto di Parma (or ham, or bacon)
- 3 tablespoons of mayonnaise with mustard (or just mustard)
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated nutmeg (optional, instead of truffles)
- 1 sheet of frozen puff pastry (or savory brioche dough)
- 2 tablespoons of flour
- 1 egg for brushing

Step-by-step preparation

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by peeling and dicing the carrots into small cubes. Finely chop the mushrooms and garlic. These ingredients will add extra flavor and texture to your dish.

2. Searing the meat: In a large skillet, add two tablespoons of olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the beef fillet and sear it evenly for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned. Remove the meat from the skillet and let it cool.

3. Preparing the filling: In the same skillet, add the carrots and garlic cloves. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, then add the chopped mushrooms, salt, pepper, bay leaves, and rosemary. Pour in the glass of white wine and let the mixture simmer on low heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms have absorbed most of the liquid. Remove the bay leaves and let the mixture cool completely.

4. Preparing the pastry: Preheat the oven to 160 degrees Celsius. Roll out the puff pastry on a clean surface. If using savory brioche dough, make sure it is thin enough to wrap easily.

5. Assembling the Wellington: Lay the slices of prosciutto on the puff pastry, slightly overlapping them. Spread the mushroom and carrot mixture over the prosciutto, then place the beef fillet in the center. Sprinkle grated nutmeg on top, if desired, for extra flavor.

6. Wrapping: Carefully wrap the puff pastry around the fillet, ensuring it is well sealed. Trim any excess dough and make a small cross on the surface with a knife to allow steam to escape. Brush with beaten egg for a golden and crispy crust.

7. Baking: Place the Wellington on a baking tray and put it in the preheated oven. Bake for 45-60 minutes, until the pastry is golden and crispy. Baking time may vary depending on your preferred level of doneness for the meat.

8. Resting: After removing the Filet Wellington from the oven, let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This step is essential to allow the juices in the meat to redistribute, ensuring each slice will be juicy.

9. Preparing the sauce: While the Wellington is resting, you can prepare a delicious sauce. Use the drippings from the skillet, add a glass of red wine and two tablespoons of flour. Stir until thickened, then season with salt and pepper. This sauce will add extra flavor to your dish.

10. Serving: Slice the Wellington into thick pieces, serve it with the wine sauce on top and, if desired, alongside side dishes such as mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables.

Useful tips

- Choose a high-quality beef fillet for the best results. Well-aged meat will add a unique flavor and texture.
- If you want to add a touch of elegance, you can incorporate fresh truffles into the filling instead of nutmeg.
- If you don't have time to prepare the sauce, soy sauce or a wine reduction can be quick and delicious alternatives.
- You can experiment with different types of mushrooms, such as portobello or chanterelle, to add a distinct flavor.

Nutritional benefits

Beef fillet is an excellent source of protein, iron, and essential B vitamins, contributing to muscle development and overall health. Mushrooms are rich in antioxidants and can support the immune system, while carrots provide a generous amount of vitamin A.

Filet Wellington is more than just a recipe; it's a culinary experience that transforms an ordinary meal into a special occasion. Whether you prepare it for a festive dinner or to impress guests, the result will certainly be memorable. Try it and let your taste buds enjoy every bite! Bon appétit!