Grilled Beef Wellington with Mushroom Duxelles on the Arteflame

Introduction

Beef Wellington is a gourmet dish featuring a tender beef fillet wrapped in puff pastry with a rich mushroom duxelles and prosciutto. Traditionally baked in the oven, this version incorporates the Arteflame grill for an added layer of smoky flavor, offering a unique twist on the classic dish.

Ingredients

• 1 beef tenderloin (about 2 lbs)
• 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
• 8 slices prosciutto
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

For the Mushroom Duxelles:

• 10 oz mushrooms (button or cremini), finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 shallots, minced
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame Grill

Light the Arteflame grill using vegetable oil-soaked napkins and firewood. Allow it to heat up for about 20 minutes. The center grate will be used for searing the beef fillet, while the outer flat top is perfect for preparing the mushroom duxelles and wrapping the Wellington.

Step 2: Sear the Beef

Season the beef tenderloin generously with salt and pepper. Sear the beef on the center grate of the Arteflame grill for 2-3 minutes per side until browned on all sides. Remove the beef from the grill and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Prepare the Mushroom Duxelles

Melt butter on the outer flat top and sauté the minced shallots and garlic for 1-2 minutes. Add the finely chopped mushrooms and cook until all the moisture has evaporated, about 7-10 minutes. Stir in the fresh thyme, season with salt and pepper, and set aside to cool.

Step 4: Assemble the Beef Wellington

Lay the prosciutto slices on a sheet of plastic wrap, slightly overlapping. Spread the mushroom duxelles evenly over the prosciutto. Place the seared beef fillet on top and brush it with Dijon mustard. Carefully roll the beef, prosciutto, and mushroom duxelles into a tight cylinder using the plastic wrap, then refrigerate for 20 minutes to firm up.

Step 5: Wrap in Puff Pastry

Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface. Remove the beef from the fridge and unwrap it from the plastic wrap. Place the beef in the center of the puff pastry and wrap it completely, trimming off any excess pastry. Seal the edges by pressing them together and brush the entire pastry with the beaten egg.

Step 6: Grill the Beef Wellington

Move the wrapped Beef Wellington to the outer flat top of the Arteflame. Grill with indirect heat, using a cover if necessary, for about 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the beef reaches 130°F for medium-rare. The puff pastry should be golden and crispy.

Step 7: Serve

Remove the Beef Wellington from the grill and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve thick slices of the Beef Wellington with your favorite sides like roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.

Tips

• Sear the beef quickly: The initial sear on the center grate locks in the juices and enhances the flavor before wrapping it in pastry.
• Even cooking: Use indirect heat to ensure the pastry cooks evenly without burning while the beef reaches the perfect internal temperature.

Variations

1. Mini Beef Wellington Bites: Make individual portions by cutting the tenderloin into smaller pieces and wrapping each one in puff pastry.
2. Herbed Beef Wellington: Add fresh herbs like rosemary or sage to the mushroom duxelles for extra flavor.
3. Lamb Wellington: Replace the beef tenderloin with a lamb fillet for a rich, savory variation.
4. Vegetarian Wellington: Use roasted vegetables like butternut squash, spinach, and goat cheese instead of beef.
5. Spicy Beef Wellington: Add a touch of chili flakes to the mustard for a spicy kick.

Best pairings

• Roasted root vegetables: The earthy sweetness of roasted carrots, parsnips, and beets complements the richness of the Wellington.
• Garlic mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of garlic are the perfect side to balance the dish.
• Red wine jus: A simple red wine reduction adds elegance and enhances the beef's flavor.

Conclusion

This Grilled Beef Wellington offers a gourmet twist on a classic dish, with the smoky flavor from the Arteflame grill elevating the tender beef fillet. Wrapped in flaky puff pastry and served with mushroom duxelles, this dish is a showstopper for any special occasion.