Elk Wellington with Wild Mushroom Duxelles
Elk Recipe
1Setup & Prepare
About This Recipe
This ultimate centerpiece wraps tender elk tenderloin in wild mushroom duxelles and flaky puff pastry, creating the most impressive special occasion dish possible. The advanced technique requires mastery but delivers unparalleled results with perfectly cooked elk encased in golden pastry.
Cultural Context
This ultimate preparation represents the pinnacle of special occasion cooking, applying the legendary Wellington technique to premium elk tenderloin. The dish showcases the highest levels of culinary skill while honoring the exceptional quality of elk, creating a centerpiece worthy of the most important celebrations.
2Ingredients
Shopping List
3Cooking Instructions
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Duxelles Preparation: Sauté shallots and garlic in butter until soft. Add mushrooms and cook until all liquid evaporates, about 20 minutes. Add thyme, season, and cool completely.
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Tenderloin Searing: Season tenderloin with salt and pepper. Sear in hot oil on all sides until browned but still rare, about 8 minutes total. Cool completely and brush with mustard.
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Pastry Preparation: Roll pastry into rectangle large enough to encase entire tenderloin with 2-inch borders.
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Assembly Layers: Spread duxelles down center of pastry. Lay prosciutto over duxelles, overlapping slightly. Spread pâté over prosciutto.
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Tenderloin Placement: Place seared tenderloin lengthwise over pâté layer.
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Wellington Assembly: Brush pastry edges with egg wash. Carefully fold pastry over filling, sealing seams and ends with egg wash. Turn seam-side down.
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Decoration: Score decorative pattern on top and brush entire surface with egg wash. Chill 30 minutes to set.
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Baking: Bake at 425°F for 20 minutes, then reduce to 400°F and bake 30-40 minutes more until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 135°F for medium-rare.
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Resting: Rest 15 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute and pastry to set.
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Service: Slice with very sharp knife to showcase beautiful layers. Serve immediately while pastry is crispy.
4Chef's Notes & Pairings
Chef's Notes
- All components must be completely cool before assembly to prevent soggy pastry
- Sharp carving knife is absolutely essential for clean slicing that shows the layers
- This is the ultimate special occasion dish - plan timing carefully
Wine Pairing
Prestigious Burgundy, aged Bordeaux, or vintage Champagne - wines with the ultimate elegance and complexity worthy of this supreme preparation.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving: 685 calories, 45g protein, 42g fat, 32g carbohydrates. Ultimate luxury preparation for special occasions.
