Duck Wellington with Mushroom Duxelles
Mallard Duck Recipe
1Setup & Prepare
About This Recipe
Seared duck breasts are wrapped in mushroom duxelles, pâté, and prosciutto, then encased in golden puff pastry. This ultimate special occasion dish showcases advanced culinary techniques while creating stunning presentation that reveals beautiful layers when sliced.
Cultural Context
This ultimate preparation applies the legendary Wellington technique to duck breast, creating a dish that represents the pinnacle of special occasion cooking. The technique showcases the highest levels of culinary skill while honoring duck's premium quality, making it worthy of life's 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 15 minutes. Season and cool completely.
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Duck Searing: Season duck breasts and sear in hot oil until browned but still rare, about 4 minutes total. Cool completely and brush with mustard.
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Assembly Preparation: Roll pastry into rectangle large enough to encase all duck breasts. Place on parchment-lined baking sheet.
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Layering: Spread duxelles down center of pastry. Lay prosciutto over duxelles, then spread pâté over prosciutto.
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Duck Placement: Arrange seared duck breasts over pâté layer, overlapping slightly.
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Wellington Assembly: Brush pastry edges with egg wash. Fold pastry over filling, sealing seams and ends carefully. Turn seam-side down.
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Decoration: Score decorative pattern on top and brush entire surface with egg wash. Chill 30 minutes.
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Baking: Bake at 425°F for 15 minutes, then reduce to 400°F and bake 25-30 minutes more until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 135°F.
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Resting: Rest 10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.
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Service: Slice with 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
- Sharp carving knife is essential for clean slicing
- This is the ultimate special occasion dish
Wine Pairing
Prestigious Burgundy or vintage Champagne - wines with the ultimate elegance and complexity worthy of this supreme preparation.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving: 585 calories, 32g protein, 38g fat, 28g carbohydrates. Ultimate luxury preparation for special occasions.
