Ostrich Wellington brings an elegant twist to a classic dish. This version uses a succulent ostrich fillet, encased in a flavorful mushroom duxelles and wrapped in flaky puff pastry. It's a show-stopping main course that combines the rich flavors of ostrich with the luxury of traditional Wellington.
Quick Facts:
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Serves: 6
- Nutritional Highlight: High in protein, low in fat
Ingredients List:
- 2 lbs ostrich fillet
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 10 ounces mushrooms, finely chopped
- 2 shallots, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup dry sherry or white wine
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 package (about 17 ounces) puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Fresh herbs for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Prepare the Fillet: Season the ostrich fillet generously with salt and black pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over high heat. Sear the fillet on all sides until browned, about 2 minutes per side. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
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Make the Duxelles: In the same skillet, melt butter. Add shallots, garlic, and mushrooms. Cook over medium heat until the mushrooms are very soft and all moisture has evaporated, about 10 minutes. Add sherry or wine, and cook until the liquid has evaporated. Stir in thyme, remove from heat, and let cool completely.
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Assemble the Wellington: Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface to a size that can wrap around the fillet. Spread the cooled mushroom duxelles evenly over the pastry. Brush the fillet with Dijon mustard, then place it in the center of the pastry. Wrap the pastry around the fillet, trimming any excess, and seal the edges with egg wash. Place seam-side down on a baking sheet.
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Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush the pastry with beaten egg. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed.
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Rest and Serve: Let the Wellington rest for 10 minutes after removing it from the oven. Slice and garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
Tips and Variations:
- Pastry Tips: Ensure the puff pastry is cold when you wrap the fillet to prevent it from becoming soggy.
- Serving Suggestion:
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 480 per serving
- Total Fat: 3g
- Protein: 26g
Try This At Home: Impress your guests with this Ostrich Wellington, perfect for special occasions or a gourmet dinner. The unique flavors and textures make this dish a luxurious treat. Share your results and thoughts in the comments below!