Name: Mountain Lion Wellington
Prep time: 2 h
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 2 h 45 min
Yield: 6-8
Cuisine: American Wild Game
Ingredients: 2-3 lb mountain lion tenderloin, trimmed; 1 lb puff pastry, thawed; 8 oz mushroom duxelles; 4 oz pâté or liver mousse; 6 thin slices prosciutto; 2 egg yolks, beaten; 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; *Mushroom Duxelles:**; 1 lb mixed mushrooms, finely chopped; 2 shallots, minced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons butter; 1/4 cup white wine; Salt and pepper to taste

1Setup & Prepare

Cultural Context

This elegant preparation represents the pinnacle of special occasion cooking, applying the classic Wellington technique to mountain lion tenderloin. The dish showcases advanced culinary skills while honoring the premium quality of this unique wild game, creating a centerpiece worthy of the most sophisticated dinner parties.

3Cooking Instructions

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.
Tenderloin Searing: Season tenderloin and sear in hot oil on all sides until browned but still rare, about 6 minutes total. Cool completely and brush with mustard.
Pastry Preparation: Roll pastry into rectangle large enough to encase tenderloin. Place on parchment-lined baking sheet.
Layering: Spread duxelles down center of pastry. Lay prosciutto over duxelles, then spread pâté over prosciutto.
Tenderloin Placement: Place seared tenderloin over pâté layer.
Wrapping: Brush pastry edges with egg wash. Fold pastry over filling, sealing seams carefully. Turn seam-side down.
Decoration: Score decorative pattern on top and brush with egg wash. Chill 30 minutes.
Baking: Bake at 425°F for 15 minutes, then reduce to 400°F and bake 25-30 minutes more until golden and internal temperature reaches 160°F.
Resting: Rest 10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.
Service: Slice with sharp knife to show beautiful layers. Serve immediately.

4Chef's Notes & Pairings

Chef's Notes

All components must be completely cool before assembly
Sealing is crucial - any leaks cause soggy pastry
Sharp knife essential for clean slicing showing layers

Wine Pairing

A prestigious Bordeaux or Burgundy provides the elegance and complexity worthy of this sophisticated preparation.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving: 585 calories, 38g protein, 38g fat, 28g carbohydrates. Ultimate special occasion luxury dish.

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