Elk Wellington
Taste of Home
"My husband's an avid hunter and fisherman, so we often try new recipes with elk, deer, rabbit, turkey or fish. Our family loves this special game dish," says Sandy Green from Ignacio, Colorado. The elk fillets are dressed up in puff pastry and drizzled with a savory onion-mushroom sauce.
SERVINGS: 8
CATEGORY: Main Dish
METHOD: Baked
TIME: Prep: 30 min. Bake: 30 min.
Ingredients:
- 8 elk fillets (about 4 ounces each)
- 2 tablespoons olive or vegetable oil
- 1/2 pound fresh mushrooms, chopped
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons snipped chives
- 1 package (17-1/4 ounces) frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon cold water
- MUSHROOM SAUCE:
- 1-1/3 cups finely chopped mushrooms
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter or margarine
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) beef broth
- 1 teaspoon browning sauce, optional
- 1/2 teaspoon tomato paste
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Directions:
In a large skillet, brown elk fillets in oil on both sides; set aside. In a bowl, combine the mushrooms, parsley and chives; set aside.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out each sheet of pastry into a 16-in. square. Cut each into four 8-in. squares. Top each square with mushroom mixture and one fillet. Fold pastry over fillet; seal seams. Place seam side down on a rack in a 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pan. Beat egg and cold water; brush over pastry. Bake at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until a meat thermometer reads 160°.
Meanwhile, for sauce, saute mushrooms and onion in butter in a saucepan until tender. Sprinkle with flour; stir until blended. Gradually stir in the broth, browning sauce if desired, tomato paste and pepper. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Spoon over pastry. Yield: 8 servings.