Cuban-style Beef Wellington

Ingredients

While the original British Beef Wellington features a traditional combination of beef, mushrooms, and puff pastry, our Cuban adaptation incorporates Cuban flavors and ingredients. We have replaced the traditional duxelles with a flavorful sofrito, added a touch of smoky paprika, and included ham to enhance the taste. The result is a unique and exciting variation that pays homage to both British and Cuban culinary traditions. We alse have the original recipe for Beef Wellington, so you can check it out.

• 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) beef tenderloin 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) beef tenderloin
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• 8 slices of smoked ham 8 slices of smoked ham
• 1 cup sofrito 1 cup sofrito
• 500g (1.1 lbs) puff pastry 500g (1.1 lbs) puff pastry
• 2 eggs, beaten (for egg wash) 2 eggs, beaten (for egg wash)

Nutrition

• Calories: 450 kcal / 1880 KJ
• Fat: 25g (10g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 20g (1g sugars)
• Protein: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. 2.
   Season the beef tenderloin with salt and pepper.
3. 3.
   Heat olive oil in a skillet over high heat and sear the beef on all sides until browned.
4. 4.
   Remove the beef from the skillet and let it cool.
5. 5.
   Spread the sofrito evenly over the ham slices.
6. 6.
   Wrap the beef with the ham and sofrito mixture.
7. 7.
   Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface and place the beef in the center.
8. 8.
   Fold the pastry over the beef, sealing the edges.
9. 9.
   Brush the pastry with the beaten eggs for a golden finish.
10. 10.
    Place the wrapped beef on a baking sheet and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the beef is cooked to your desired doneness.
11. 11.
    Allow the beef to rest for a few minutes before slicing.
12. 12.
    Serve the Cuban-style Beef Wellington warm and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Beef tenderloin — For a tender and juicy result, make sure to sear the beef properly before wrapping it in the pastry.
• Sofrito — Use homemade sofrito for the best flavor, or you can find pre-made sofrito at specialty stores.
• Puff pastry — Ensure the puff pastry is thawed properly before rolling it out to prevent cracking or uneven baking.
• Ham — Opt for a smoky ham variety to add depth of flavor to the dish.
• Eggs — Beat the eggs well for a smooth and even egg wash.

Tips & Tricks

• To ensure a crispy pastry crust, brush the wrapped beef with egg wash just before baking.
• Allow the beef to rest for a few minutes after baking to retain its juices before slicing.
• Serve the Cuban-style Beef Wellington with a side of black beans and rice for a complete Cuban meal.
• If you prefer a spicier flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few drops of hot sauce to the sofrito.
• For a festive touch, garnish the sliced beef with fresh cilantro or parsley before serving.

Serving advice

Serve the Cuban-style Beef Wellington as the centerpiece of your meal. Slice it into thick portions and arrange them on individual plates. Accompany the beef with traditional Cuban side dishes and garnish with fresh herbs for an impressive presentation.

Presentation advice

To present the Cuban-style Beef Wellington beautifully, place the sliced portions on a large serving platter. Arrange them in an overlapping pattern, allowing the golden pastry to be visible. Garnish the platter with sprigs of fresh herbs, such as cilantro or parsley, for a pop of color.