Mushroom Wellington Recipes

VEGETARIAN MUSHROOM WELLINGTON

Steps:

• Wipe the portobello mushrooms clean using barely moistened paper towels. Remove the stems, then slice off the excess mushroom rim that curls over the gills. (You are making sure the stem side has a flat surface so it will sear properly.) Reserve the stems and scraps for use in Step 2. Brush the portobello mushroom caps on both sides with 3 tablespoons olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large (12-inch) nonstick skillet over medium-high and cook the mushrooms, gill-side down, until caramelized, 4 to 5 minutes, then flip and cook until softened, about 4 more minutes. Transfer to a wire rack, gill-side down, to cool.
• Prepare the mushroom filling: Separate and reserve any mushroom stems. Roughly chop about two-thirds of the mixed mushrooms, then working in batches, transfer the roughly chopped mushrooms to a food processor and pulse until chopped into small pieces. (They should range from 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch in size.) Transfer the chopped mushrooms to a large bowl. By hand, finely chop the remaining mixed mushrooms and stems and the reserved portobello mushroom stems and trimmings into 1/4-inch pieces; add them to the large bowl. (Chopping most of the mixed mushrooms in the food processor will save you some time, but you'll want to chop some by hand for texture.)
• Prepare an ice bath in a large bowl. (You'll use this to quickly cool the cooked mushrooms in Step 4. If preparing in advance, you can simply let the mixture cool to room temperature, then refrigerate.) Wipe out the skillet. Working in two batches, warm 1/4 cup olive oil over medium-high heat. Add about half the mushrooms, shallots, garlic and rosemary, and season lightly with salt and generously with pepper. (You'll add soy sauce later, so avoid overseasoning at this stage.) Cook, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and tender, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a medium bowl and repeat with the remaining 1/4 cup oil and the remaining mushrooms, shallots, garlic and rosemary.
• Once the second batch of chopped mushrooms is cooked and caramelized, return the first batch to the skillet. Add the port, soy sauce and thyme leaves and cook over medium-high, stirring occasionally, until the liquid evaporates, 3 to 5 minutes. (If using balsamic vinegar instead of port, reduce the cook time to 1 to 2 minutes.) Transfer the mushroom mixture back to the medium bowl and stir in the walnuts. Set the bowl over the prepared ice bath to cool, stirring occasionally, at least 20 minutes.
• Prepare the cider-caramelized onions: Wipe out the skillet, then melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onions, sprinkle with the sugar, salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until starting to soften, about 5 minutes. Add the cider and cook, stirring every few minutes, until the liquid evaporates and the onions are caramelized, about 15 minutes. Stir in the vinegar, if using, then transfer to a bowl to cool.
• Heat the oven to 400 degrees. Place a large piece of parchment paper on your work surface and lightly dust it with flour. Unfold your thawed puff pastry and set it on the parchment. Using a lightly floured rolling pin, roll the pastry out into a 13-by-16-inch rectangle. Transfer the parchment paper and puff pastry to a large sheet pan. Rotate the sheet pan, if needed, so that one of the 16-inch sides is closest to you. Arrange half the cooked mushroom mixture in a strip in the center of the puff pastry (it should be about 4-by-10 inches), leaving a 1½-inch border at the ends. Arrange the caramelized onions in a single, 3-inch-wide strip on top of the mushroom mixture, leaving about ½ inch of the mushrooms exposed on both sides. Lay the portobello mushrooms on top of the onions in a single line, stem-side down. (If the portobellos are too large to all fit in a row, square off edges so the cut sides lay snugly without overlapping.) Spoon the remaining mushroom mixture on top of the filling, covering the portobello mushrooms, then gently pack the mushroom mixture to form an even layer on top. (You can shape this the same way you might shape a freeform meatloaf.)
• To assemble, lift one side of the puff pastry over the mushroom filling to almost completely cover it. Brush the surface of the puff pastry covering the mushrooms with the beaten egg. Lift the remaining puff pastry flap over the egg-washed puff pastry, gently stretching it if need be to create a second layer of puff pastry on top, then gently press the top layer of pastry onto the lower layer using your fingertips to seal. Brush the insides of the short ends of the puff pastry and press to seal. Trim any parchment paper that extends beyond the sheet pan.
• Brush the exposed puff pastry on top with the remaining beaten egg. Decorate the top of the puff pastry as you like: Create a cross-hatch pattern by gently slicing through only the top layer of puff pastry in parallel lines, then cutting parallel lines in another direction. (Apply very little pressure, as you only want to cut through the top layer of puff pastry, not the second layer.) You can also slice small decorative vents in the puff pastry (be sure to slice all the way through both layers of puff pastry), or top with additional strips or shapes made from egg-washed puff pastry.
• Transfer to the middle rack in the oven and bake until puff pastry is deep golden and flaky, 45 to 50 minutes. Let cool slightly on the baking sheet, about 10 minutes.
• While the Wellington bakes, prepare the optional port reduction: In a medium saucepan, heat the oil over medium. Add the shallot, garlic and peppercorns, and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the port, stock and thyme, and cook over medium-high until the sauce is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, 25 to 30 minutes. Strain the sauce, discarding the solids. (You should have about 1/2 cup sauce.) Cover and set aside until ready to serve. When ready to serve, warm the sauce over medium. Once warmed, whisk in the butter, season to taste with salt and pepper and serve.
• To serve the mushroom Wellington, cut it crosswise into 8 even slabs. (Each slab will include a pretty cross-section showcasing the halved portobello mushroom in the center; this is considered the presentation side.) Serve each piece presentation-side up. Pass with port reduction for drizzling on top.

MUSHROOM WELLINGTON RECIPE BY TASTY

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Add the mushrooms to a food processor and pulse until crumbly, 10-12 times. Be careful not to over-process.
• Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a medium pan over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 3-5 minutes. Add the vegetable broth and sauté until the onions are translucent and most of the broth has evaporated.
• Add the garlic and sauté for 3 minutes more, or until fragrant.
• Add the mushrooms and soy sauce and sauté until most of the liquid has released from the mushrooms and evaporated, 10-12 minutes.
• Push the sautéed veggies to the sides of the pan and add a bit more olive oil to the center. Sauté the thyme in the oil until fragrant, then incorporate into the rest of mixture.
• Add the spinach and sauté until wilted.
• Grease an 18 x 13-inch baking sheet with nonstick spray. On a lightly floured surface, use a rolling pin to roll out puff pastry sheet to fit the baking sheet. Transfer the puff pastry to the pan.
• In center third of the pastry, add a layer of potato slices. Top with half of the mushroom mixture and spread in an even layer, about ¾-inch thick. Add another layer of potatoes and the rest of the mushrooms, and top with a final layer of potatoes.
• Fold one side of pastry over the filling, then the other side. Seal the top and bottom ends over the filling. Score the top of the Wellington diagonally with a sharp knife.
• In a ramekin or small bowl, combine the non-dairy milk with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Brush over the Wellington. Decorate with more pastry, if desired. Poke air vents in the side of the Wellington.
• Bake for 35-40 minutes. until golden brown and puffed.
• Let rest for 10 minutes before cutting into thick slices.
• Serve with vegan gravy.
• Enjoy!

MUSHROOM WELLINGTON

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Potato Mixture: In a large non-stick frying pan, melt the vegan butter over medium-low heat. Add the potatoes and cook, stirring, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the carrots and celery and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft, about 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and scrape the mixture into a medium bowl.
• Mushroom Mixture: In the same frying pan, melt the vegan butter over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until soft and translucent, about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the garlic and mushrooms and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms soften, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the concentrated vegetarian stock, red wine, thyme, and sage. Cook until the wine is reduced by half.
• Add the mushroom mixture to the potato mixture. Stir in the panko crumbs and season with salt and pepper. (The filling can be made 1 day ahead. Keep in the fridge, covered.)
• For Assembly: Arrange one sheet of puff pastry on a work surface with the long side facing you. Spoon half of the vegetable mixture lengthwise across the lower-half of the pastry, leaving a 2- to 3-inch (5 to 8 cm) border, pressing the mixture together with your hands to form a roll. Fold the sides of the pastry over the filling, then roll it up, starting at the end closest to you. Repeat with the second Wellington.
• Place the Wellingtons on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them. Lightly brush the Wellingtons with the melted vegan butter. Bake until golden brown, 25 to 30 minutes.
• Transfer the Wellingtons to a long plate or a platter and garnish with the fresh thyme sprigs. To serve, cut into thick slices using a large, sharp knife.

MUSHROOM WELLINGTON

Steps:

• 1. Place a large frying pan over a low to medium-low heat. Add the 1 /2 tbs of olive oil followed by onion and reduce heat to low. Season with salt and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, for 15 to 20 minutes, until the onions are golden brown. Keep an eye on the onions to make sure they don't catch.
• 2. Remove the onions from the pan and return the pan to the heat. Add the baby spinach and cook until wilted. Remove from the baby spinach from the pan and leave to cool.
• 3. Increase the heat to medium/high and return the pan to the heat. Add the remaining olive oil and place the mushrooms, top side down. Cook until lightly golden (about 5 minutes) before turning over and cooking for a further 5 minutes or until golden. Remove from the heat, and drain on paper towel top side up as they will release a lot of liquid as they cool. Transfer the onions, spinach and mushrooms to the refrigerator and cool completely.
• 4. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place a sheet of baking paper on the baking tray and then place the puff pastry sheet on top. Spread half the caramelised onions over the middle third of the pastry, making sure to leave an extra ¾-inch border at the edge of the pastry. Top with half of the baby spinach. Spread the dijon mustard over the mushrooms and season well with salt and pepper. Place the mushrooms on top of the spinach. Top the mushrooms with thyme and the remaining baby spinach and onions.
• 5. Very carefully roll the pastry over the top of the mushroom mixture until you have a log. Press down to seal the edges. Roll over the log so that the seam is facing the bottom.
• 6. Make an egg wash: whisk the egg and milk together in a bowl. Very lightly coat with the egg wash. Place the pastry in the freezer for 10 minutes before repeating with another layer of egg wash and freezing the pastry for a further 10 minutes.
• 7. Place the pastry back on the baking sheet and tray and place in the oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until golden and flakey.
• The mushroom wellington is best eaten as soon as it comes out of the oven as the pastry will start to soften as the mushrooms release their juices as they cool.
• The secret to a deliciously juicy yet flaky Mushroom Wellington is to pat everything dry and make sure it is completely cold before wrapping it in your vegan puff pastry.
• Skip this step and your pastry is not only going to be soggy, it will tear when you try to wrap up your wellington.

MUSHROOM WELLINGTON WITH CREAMY CARROT SAUCE

Steps:

• For the Wellington: Remove the stems and gills of the Portobello mushrooms, and discard. Cut each mushroom cap in half, then cut the halves into 1/4-inch-thick slices.
• Heat the oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shallots, and cook, stirring frequently, until soft, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the Portobello slices, 1/4 teaspoon salt and a few grinds pepper, and cook, stirring frequently, until the mushrooms have started to soften and wilt, about 4 minutes. Add the shiitakes, thyme, 1/4 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper, and cook, stirring frequently, until the shiitakes have started to soften and wilt, about 3 minutes. Pour in the wine, bring to a simmer and stir until most of the liquid has evaporated, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the heat, and let cool completely. Stir in 1 tablespoon of the breadcrumbs. Taste and adjust the seasoning.
• Position an oven rack in the center of the oven, and preheat to 400 degrees F. Roll the puff pastry out on a floured sheet of parchment paper to a 13-inch square. Brush the surface of the pastry with the mustard, and sprinkle with the remaining 1 tablespoon breadcrumbs.
• Leaving a 1-inch border on the right and left sides of the pastry, pile the mushroom filling onto the center, and pack it into a log about 3 inches wide. Fold the bottom half of the pastry over the filling, then roll it up so the bundle sits seam-side down. If any filling falls out while rolling, just push it back inside. Pinch together the open ends to seal, and crimp with a fork. The log should be about 12 inches long. Transfer the Wellington, on the parchment, to a baking sheet. Brush generously all over with the egg. Cut decorative slits down the length of the Wellington. Sprinkle with sea salt and pepper. Bake until golden brown and bubbly, 40 to 45 minutes. Let rest for a few minutes.
• For the carrot sauce: While the Wellington is baking, combine 2 cups water, carrots, garlic, bay leaf and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a small saucepan. Bring to a high simmer, and cook until the carrots are very tender, 10 to 12 minutes. Remove the bay leaf, and transfer all the liquid and solids to a blender. Blend until completely smooth. Add the cream cheese, vinegar and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and blend until smooth again. (The sauce can be made, cooled and refrigerated up to 1 day ahead; reheat before serving.) Transfer the sauce to a serving vessel.
• For the salad: Toss the frisee with the oil and vinegar, a pinch of salt and a few grinds of pepper.
• Arrange the Wellington and salad on a platter. Slice the Wellington into 6 even pieces, and serve with the salad and carrot sauce.

BEEF WELLINGTON WITH MIXED MUSHROOMS

Steps:

• Working in two batches, pulse the mushrooms in a food processor until finely chopped, 10 to 15 pulses. Heat 3 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shallots and thyme and cook until softened, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in the mushrooms and cook, stirring often toward the end, until dry and starting to form small crumbles, 25 to 28 minutes.
• Remove the skillet from the heat and add the cognac. Carefully return the skillet to the heat (the cognac may ignite) and continue cooking until the mushroom mixture is dry and the alcohol cooks off, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon butter and season with kosher salt and pepper. Remove from the heat and let cool completely.
• Meanwhile, season the beef all over with kosher salt and pepper. Heat the vegetable oil in a separate large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook, turning, until browned on all sides (including the ends), about 8 minutes. Transfer the beef to a rack and let cool.
• Overlap 2 sheets of plastic wrap on a work surface to make a large rectangle (about 22 by 30 inches) with a short side in front of you. Arrange the prosciutto slices crosswise on the plastic wrap in overlapping rows to form a rectangle slightly longer than the beef and wide enough to completely wrap it with a slight overlap. (You might not use all of the prosciutto.) Spread the mushroom mixture over the prosciutto, pressing gently. Cut the ties off the beef and brush it all over with the mustard. Place the beef on top of the prosciutto-mushroom mixture, perpendicular to the prosciutto slices. Tightly roll the prosciutto-mushroom mixture around the beef, using the plastic wrap to help you roll. Twist and tie the ends of the plastic wrap to help the roast hold an even shape. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes.
• Roll the puff pastry into a 14-by-15-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface; if using 2 smaller sheets of pastry, press the ends together before rolling out, then trim as needed. Brush the pastry all over with the beaten egg. Remove the plastic wrap from the beef and place the beef on the pastry. Carefully roll the pastry around the beef, overlapping the ends at the seam; trim off any excess pastry, if needed, then pinch the seams together. Turn seam-side down. Fold in the pastry on the two open ends, trimming off any excess. Refrigerate until the pastry is cold and firm, about 1 hour.
• Position a rack in the lower third of the oven; preheat to 425˚ F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Place the beef seam-side down on the baking sheet and brush all over with the beaten egg. Score lines in the pastry with the dull side of a paring knife (don't cut through the pastry) and sprinkle with flaky salt. Bake until the pastry is crisp and dark golden brown and a thermometer inserted into the center of the beef registers 110˚ F for rare to 120˚ F for medium rare, 40 to 50 minutes. Transfer to a rack set on a baking sheet and let rest 15 minutes before slicing. Sprinkle with more flaky salt and chives.

PORTOBELLO MUSHROOM WELLINGTON

Steps:

• Wipe the mushrooms with a piece of damp paper towel to remove dirt and grit; twist out and discard the stalks. Place in a large roasting tray with the garlic, thyme, Marsala, oil and salt and pepper. Rub each mushroom with the garlicky oil and cover the tray with tin foil. Place in an oven heated to 180°C (350°F) for 15 minutes, until the mushrooms have reduced in size and are soft throughout. Remove the foil, drain away the cooking liquid and set the tray on a cool surface while you prepare the rest of the Wellington.
• For the onions, melt the butter with the oil in a medium frying pan over a medium heat. When all the butter has melted, add the onions with a pinch of salt and cook, stirring regularly, until the onions turn soft and translucent. Add the thyme, garlic and Marsala to the pan and continue to cook for a further 15 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes until the onions are golden and caramelized all over. Remove the onions from the pan to a plate lined with paper towels to drain away the excess oil and butter. Leave to cool completely.
• Next, make the pancakes. Whisk the eggs with the flour in a large mixing bowl, then slowly pour in the milk, whisking all the time until no lumps are visible. Add the chopped rosemary and season with salt and pepper. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside for 10 minutes until bubbles appear on the surface of the batter.
• Warm a 26 cm. (10 in.) non-stick frying pan with a splash of sunflower oil over a medium-high heat. Pour half a ladle of the pancake batter into the pan and swirl to evenly coat the base.
• Cook each pancake for a minute on each side, until lightly golden, then flip and cook the other side. The mixture should produce 6-8 thin pancakes.
• Cook the spinach for a minute with a pinch of salt and a grating of nutmeg in a frying pan until bright green and just wilted. Squeeze out as much moisture as you can through a sieve, then dry on kitchen paper.
• Lay out a 30cm (12 in.) piece of plastic wrap on a clean work surface, then lay 4 cooled pancakes alongside each other on the plastic wrap (you can use any extra when making the Wellington), ensuring a generous amount of overlap so that there is a continuous length down the middle of the plastic wrap. Brush the pancake all over with some of the egg yolk, then arrange the spinach down the middle of the pancakes, leaving a couple of centimeters at each end without spinach.
• Place the mushrooms on top of the spinach, placing one on top of the other, giving four layers of two down the center. Top the mushrooms with the caramelized onion mixture, then use the plastic wrap to lift the pancake over the filling on either side. Fold over the ends and continue rolling until you have a tight cylinder shape. If there are any gaps, use the extra pancakes to patch up, brushing with egg yolk as you go. Wrap the pancake tightly with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for 20 minutes.
• Roll out the sheet of puff pastry and brush with egg yolk. Remove the chilled pancake cylinder from the fridge and unwrap the cling film. Place in the middle of the puff pastry sheet and fold the pastry over the filled pancake to encase it completely. Crimp the sides of the pastry and brush with egg yolk all over. Scatter over the black onion seeds and cook in an oven heated to 180°C (350°F) for 25-30 minutes, until dark golden all over.
• While the Wellington is cooking, make the sauce. Heat the olive oil in a small saucepan over a medium heat, then add the shallots and garlic with a pinch of salt and cook for 5 minutes, until soft and translucent. Add the thyme and dry sherry and bring to the boil. Reduce for 3 minutes, then add the stock. Continue to cook until the liquid has reduced by half, then add the heavy cream and turn the heat to low. Cook for 5 minutes, then season with salt and pepper.
• Serve the Wellington with the tarragon cream sauce in a jug for pouring over and steamed broccolini and kale on the side.

MELTY MUSHROOM WELLINGTONS

Steps:

• Heat the oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7. Remove the stalks from the mushrooms. Heat half the oil in a large frying pan and sizzle the mushrooms for 3-4 mins on each side until golden and cooked through - add a drop more oil if needed. Lift the mushrooms out onto kitchen paper to drain.
• Place the same pan back on the heat with the rest of the oil. Fry the garlic for a moment, add the spinach to the pan, then cook for 2-3 mins over a high heat until completely wilted. Season with salt and pepper, then tip the spinach into a large sieve to drain thoroughly.
• On a lightly floured surface scattered with the thyme leaves, roll the pastry out to the thickness of a £1 coin. Using a saucer and a larger-size plate, cut out 4 circles about 5cm wider than the mushrooms (for the bottoms) and 4 circles about 10cm wider (for the tops), re-rolling the trimmings if you need to.
• Place the four smaller circles on a baking tray and top each with a quarter of the spinach, making sure the pile of spinach isn't wider than the mushrooms. Top the spinach with a slice of cheese, then a mushroom, smooth-side up, and top the mushroom with another slice of cheese. Brush the border to each circle with egg, then gently stretch the larger circle over the mushroom, trying not to trap any air, then press the edges together with a fork. Trim the edges with a knife if you want, then brush each generously with egg. Bake for 40 mins until golden, then leave to cool for a few mins before serving.
• Heat the oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7. Remove the stalks from the mushrooms. Heat half the oil in a large frying pan and sizzle the mushrooms for 3-4 mins on each side until golden and cooked through - add a drop more oil if needed. Lift the mushrooms out onto kitchen paper to drain.
• Place the same pan back on the heat with the rest of the oil. Fry the garlic for a moment, add the spinach to the pan, then cook for 2-3 mins over a high heat until completely wilted. Season with salt and pepper, then tip the spinach into a large sieve to drain thoroughly.
• On a lightly floured surface scattered with the thyme leaves, roll the pastry out to the thickness of a £1 coin. Using a saucer and a larger-size plate, cut out 4 circles about 5cm wider than the mushrooms (for the bottoms) and 4 circles about 10cm wider (for the tops), re-rolling the trimmings if you need to.
• Place the four smaller circles on a baking tray and top each with a quarter of the spinach, making sure the pile of spinach isn't wider than the mushrooms. Top the spinach with a slice of cheese, then a mushroom, smooth-side up, and top the mushroom with another slice of cheese. Brush the border to each circle with egg, then gently stretch the larger circle over the mushroom, trying not to trap any air, then press the edges together with a fork. Trim the edges with a knife if you want, then brush each generously with egg. Bake for 40 mins until golden, then leave to cool for a few mins before serving.

MUSHROOM WELLINGTON CUPS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Melt 4 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over high heat. Cook mushrooms for 6 minutes. Add garlic. Cook until mushrooms are golden brown, about 1 minute more. Add wine. Cook, stirring and scraping browned bits from bottom of pan with a wooden spoon, until wine evaporates, about 3 minutes. Sprinkle flour over mixture and stir to combine. Add cream. Cook until slightly thickened, about 1 minute. Season with salt and pepper. Let cool for 15 minutes.
• Lay 1 phyllo sheet on a work surface (keep remaining phyllo covered with a damp towel). Lightly brush sheet with melted butter. Top with 1 sheet; brush with butter. Repeat with remaining 3 sheets, leaving top unbuttered.
• Cut phyllo stack into six 5 1/2-by-6-inch pieces. Nestle each into a cup of a standard muffin tin. Spoon 2 heaping tablespoons mushroom mixture into each. Bake until golden, 14 to 16 minutes. Top each cup with a bit of pate before serving.

CHICKEN & MUSHROOM WELLINGTON

Steps:

• To make the filling, melt the butter in a frying pan over a medium heat until sizzling, then fry the mushrooms for 8 mins until soft and lightly browned. Add the garlic, thyme and lemon juice, turn the heat up to medium-high and cook for 1 min more until the liquid from the mushrooms has evaporated. Season, remove from the heat and leave to cool completely. Tip the mixture into a bowl with the soft cheese and mustard, then beat everything together with a wooden spoon. Put in the fridge while you prepare the chicken. Will keep covered in the fridge for up to a day.
• Lay the chicken breasts out on a board, open out slightly, then bash gently with a meat mallet or rolling pin until they are an even thickness. Season and set aside. Unravel the pastry sheet and cut out a 16cm rectangle and an 18cm one. Lay the smaller rectangle on a sheet of baking parchment and brush with a little of the beaten egg. Lay one of the chicken breasts on top, smooth-side down. Spoon over the mushroom mixture and top with the second breast, smooth-side up, so the thicker sides of the breasts are at opposite ends to each other. Brush the exposed pastry border and the top of the chicken with more of the beaten egg, then drape over the larger pastry rectangle and tuck it in so the chicken is snugly enclosed. Trim the excess pastry into an oval, leaving a 4cm border, then crimp the border with a fork to seal. Re-roll any trimmings and use them to decorate the wellington, if you like (see tip, below). Chill for at least 1 hr or up to 24 hrs.
• Heat the oven to 210C/190C fan/gas 6½ with a baking tray inside. Brush the wellington all over with most of the remaining beaten egg. Carefully lift it on its baking parchment onto the hot baking tray and bake for 25 mins, then brush with the remaining beaten egg and season with sea salt. Bake for another 10-15 mins until light golden brown. Rest for 5 mins before carefully carving in half.