How To Make Veal Wellington with Pancetta and Parsnip Puree
How To Prepare the Veal Wellington
Season the veal tenderloin generously with kosher salt. Heat grapeseed oil in a skillet over medium heat, then sear the veal on all sides until it forms a rich crust. Let it cool briefly in the fridge, then brush it with Dijon mustard.
Layer crepes on top of each other and cover with pancetta slices, then place the veal horizontally and roll tightly. Wrap the veal in plastic wrap to secure the shape and refrigerate for 5 minutes.
Wrap the veal with puff pastry, pinch the sides tightly to seal, and brush with egg yolk. Refrigerate for another 5 minutes, then brush with egg yolk again and sprinkle with flake salt. Bake in the oven at 375°F for 25 minutes, until golden and crispy.
How To Make Parsnip Puree
Boil the parsnips in salted water until tender, then blend with heavy cream and bay leaves. Simmer the cream mixture before pouring it into the blender with the cooked parsnips. Blend until smooth, then slowly add butter and oil until fully incorporated. Season with salt for a silky-smooth puree.
How To Prepare Pancetta Jam
Cook the pancetta in a skillet until crispy, then remove and set aside. In the rendered fat, cook onions with salt and sugar until caramelized. Add balsamic vinegar and cook until thickened to a jam-like consistency. Stir in the pancetta, fresh lemon juice, and finish with minced chives for a flavorful topping.
How To Make the Sauce
Combine apple cider vinegar and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat and cook until the mixture thickens. Reduce beef stock by half in another saucepan, then whisk it into the sugar mixture. Season with salt, remove from heat, and finish with chilled butter for a rich and glossy sauce.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Veal Tenderloin: You can substitute with beef tenderloin if veal is unavailable, though the flavor and texture will differ slightly.
- Crepes: If you don't have crepes on hand, you can use thin sheets of prosciutto or bacon for a savory substitute.
- Puff Pastry: If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought puff pastry for convenience.
- Parsnips: While parsnips provide a unique earthy flavor, you can substitute them with mashed potatoes or carrots.
- Pancetta: Bacon is a great alternative to pancetta if needed, though pancetta has a milder flavor.
Tips & Suggestions
- Resting the Veal: Let the veal rest after baking to ensure juicy, tender slices.
- Crisp Puff Pastry: Ensure your puff pastry is well-sealed around the veal to avoid leaks and achieve a crispy, golden crust.
- Advance Prep: You can prepare the pancetta jam, parsnip puree, and sauce ahead of time to streamline the process on the day of cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when the Veal Wellington is done?
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the veal reaches the perfect internal temperature—130°F for medium-rare. The pastry should be golden and crisp when finished.
Can I substitute the pancetta jam with a different topping?
If you prefer a different topping, try a mushroom duxelles or a red wine reduction for an equally rich and flavorful sauce.
How do I store leftovers?
Store the leftover Wellington in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the Wellington in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, and refresh the sauce as needed.