Mushroom Wellington Recipe: A Showstopping Vegetarian Main

KEY INFO

– Prep Time: 45-60 minutes
– Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
– Total Time: 75-100 minutes
– Servings: 6-8 slices
– Difficulty: Moderate
– Diet: Vegetarian (Vegan option available)

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

– Large skillet (or heavy-bottomed pan)
– Baking sheet
– Parchment paper
– Sharp knife
– Cutting board
– Food processor (or sharp knife for chopping)

INGREDIENTS

For the Filling:

– 4 cups (400g) mixed mushrooms, sliced
– 2 large onions, thinly sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium sweet potatoes, thinly sliced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
– 2 sprigs fresh thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste

For the Pastry:

– 1 sheet (375g) puff pastry
– 2 tbsp plant milk (for washing)
– 1 tbsp olive oil (for washing)

METHOD

1. Thaw puff pastry according to package instructions (usually 30 minutes at room temperature)

2. Caramelize onions:
– Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat
– Cook onions for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally until deep golden brown
– Season with salt and pepper

3. Prepare mushrooms:
– Add sliced mushrooms to caramelized onions
– Cook until moisture evaporates (10-15 minutes)
– Add garlic, thyme, soy sauce
– Cook 2 minutes more
– Let mixture cool completely

4. Assemble wellington:
– Roll pastry to 9×12 inches
– Layer sweet potatoes and mushroom mixture in middle third
– Fold sides over, seal with water
– Score top in diamond pattern
– Brush with milk-oil mixture

5. Bake:
– Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
– Bake 30-40 minutes until golden brown

CRUCIAL TIPS

– Cool filling completely before assembly to prevent soggy pastry
– Don’t overfill – leave 2-inch border for folding
– Score pastry deeply but don’t cut through
– Let rest 10 minutes before slicing

STORAGE & VARIATIONS

Storage:
– Refrigerate up to 3 days
– Freeze unbaked up to 1 month

Common Mistakes:
– Using warm filling
– Overfilling the pastry
– Not sealing edges properly

Variations:
– Add spinach or chestnuts
– Switch herbs (rosemary/sage)
– Include chopped walnuts for texture

Follow these steps carefully and you’ll create a stunning vegetarian centerpiece that even meat-eaters will love. The key is patience with the caramelized onions – they’re worth every minute!