Vegetarian Christmas Dinner Recipes: Wellington
Are you ready to impress your family and friends with a mouthwatering vegan dish? Look no further! In this step-by-step guide, we will show you how to create a delectable Vegan Wellington that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for any special occasion. This savory pastry is filled with roasted vegetables, hearty lentils, and a delightful kale pesto, all wrapped in flaky puff pastry. Let’s get started!
Ingredients You Need
Before you embark on this culinary adventure, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 red onion, cut into 8 wedges
- 250g raw beetroot, peeled and cut into small chunks
- ½ butternut squash, peeled and cut into small chunks
- 4 fat garlic cloves, unpeeled
- 6 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp picked thyme leaves, plus extra for sprinkling
- 1 tbsp sumac, plus extra for sprinkling
- 250g pouch ready-to-eat puy lentils
- 180g pack whole cooked chestnuts, roughly chopped
- 100g kale
- ½ lemon, juiced
- 2 x 320g packs ready-rolled puff pastry suitable for vegans (we used Jus-Rol)
- 2 tbsp almond milk
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
- Preheat your oven to 190°C (170°C fan/gas 5). In a roasting tin, toss the red onion, beetroot, squash, and garlic cloves with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, thyme leaves, sumac, and a pinch of seasoning.
- Roast the vegetables for 45 minutes until they are tender but still hold their shape.
- After roasting, stir in the lentils and half of the chopped chestnuts.
- Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves from their skins, reserve half, and mash the other two into the lentil mixture. Allow the mixture to cool completely.
Step 2:
- Bring a large pan of salted water to a boil. Add the kale and cook for 1 minute until it wilts.
- Drain the kale and rinse it under cold water until it cools. Squeeze out all the water from the kale.
- In the small bowl of a food processor, combine the reserved garlic cloves, chestnuts, lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and some seasoning.
- Blitz the ingredients into a thick pesto, and season it to taste.
Step 3:
- On a lightly floured surface, lay out the sheets of puff pastry. Cut each sheet into three equal-width strips, resulting in six strips in total.
- Spread the kale pesto evenly onto each strip, leaving one side free of filling for easier rolling.
- Place a generous portion of the roasted vegetable and lentil mixture on top of the pesto.
- Brush all the borders of the pastry strips with half of the almond milk.
- Fold over the ends, then carefully roll the pastry lengthways to completely encase the filling into a roll.
- Place the six individual Wellingtons on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and chill them for at least 1 hour, or cover them with cling film and leave them overnight. You can also freeze them at this stage if needed.
Step 4 (To Bake from Chilled):
- Preheat your oven to 190°C (170°C fan/gas 3). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Brush the top of each Wellington with the remaining almond milk.
- Sprinkle a little sumac on top.
- Bake for 30 minutes if baking from chilled or 45 minutes if baking from frozen, until the Wellingtons are crisp and golden.
Step 5:
- Scatter extra thyme and some flaky sea salt over the top before serving. Enjoy your Vegan Lentil and Vegetable Wellingtons!
FAQs
Q: Can I prepare the Wellingtons in advance and freeze them?
A: Absolutely! After assembling the Wellingtons in Step 3, you can cover them with cling film and freeze them for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply follow the baking instructions, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking from frozen.
Q: What can I serve with Vegan Wellington?
A: Vegan Wellington pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, a fresh green salad, or cranberry sauce for a touch of sweetness.
Q: Can I customize the filling of the Wellington?
A: Yes, feel free to customize the filling based on your preferences. You can add mushrooms, spinach, or other vegetables of your choice. Get creative and make it your own!
Q: Is puff pastry suitable for vegans?
A: Many brands offer vegan-friendly puff pastry options. Just be sure to check the packaging for “suitable for vegans” or similar labels.
Q: Can I make individual portions of Wellington?
A: Yes, this recipe is designed for individual portions, making it perfect for serving at dinner parties or gatherings.
Q: How do I store leftover Wellington?
A: If you have any leftover Wellington, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best results.
There you have it—a delightful and mouthwatering Vegan Wellington that’s perfect for special occasions or whenever you want to treat yourself to a gourmet plant-based meal. With the step-by-step instructions and customization options, you can create a stunning dish that will impress even the most discerning palates. Enjoy your culinary adventure and share the joy of this delicious Vegan Wellington with your loved ones!
