Mini Beef Wellington Bites

1.Prepare the Beef: Preheat oven to 200°C. Season the beef tenderloin generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over high heat. Sear the beef on all sides until deeply browned (about 1-2 minutes per side).

2.Remove the beef from the skillet and immediately brush all sides with Dijon mustard. Set aside to cool completely. Once cool, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up.

3.Prepare the Duxelles: Pulse the mushrooms, shallots, and garlic in a food processor until very finely chopped (do not over-process into a paste).

4.Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the mushroom mixture and thyme. Cook, stirring frequently, until all the liquid has evaporated and the mixture is dry and deeply browned (about 10-15 minutes). Season with salt and pepper. If using, deglaze the pan with sherry/Madeira and cook until evaporated. Set aside to cool completely.

5.Assemble the Bites: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut the pastry into 12 equal squares (approximately 3x3 inches).

6.Slice the chilled beef tenderloin into 12 equal, small medallions (about 1/2 inch thick).

7.Place a spoonful of the cooled duxelles mixture in the center of each puff pastry square. Place one beef medallion on top of the duxelles.

8.Brush the edges of the pastry with the egg wash. Fold the corners of the pastry over the beef, pinching the seams together at the top to seal the beef completely, creating a small parcel. Trim any excess pastry.

9.Bake: Place the assembled bites seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the entire surface of the pastry with the remaining egg wash.

10.Bake at 200°C for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed, and the internal temperature of the beef reaches your desired doneness (55°C for medium-rare).

11.Let the Mini Beef Wellingtons rest for 5 minutes before serving warm as an appetizer or starter.