Jamie Oliver’s Turkey Wellington is a stunning centerpiece perfect for festive occasions or a fancy family dinner. This dish wraps juicy turkey breast and a savory mushroom mixture in a buttery puff pastry. It’s a delightful twist on the classic beef Wellington.
This recipe serves up to 8 people and can be prepared and cooked in about 2 to 2.5 hours.
In this guide, I will walk you through each step of making Jamie Oliver’s Turkey Wellington, offering practical tips to ensure it turns out perfectly every time.
What is Jamie Oliver Turkey Wellington?
Jamie Oliver’s Turkey Wellington is a festive and creative adaptation of the traditional beef Wellington. This version uses turkey breast as the main protein, surrounded by flavorful stuffing and encased in a golden puff pastry.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Elegant Presentation: This dish makes a statement on any dining table with its golden, flaky pastry and succulent filling.
- Perfect for Special Occasions: Ideal for holidays or celebrations, it’s a luxurious alternative to typical roast dinners.
- Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of turkey, mushrooms, and herbs creates a rich and satisfying taste.
- Surprisingly Simple: Despite its impressive appearance, this recipe is straightforward and fun to prepare.
Ingredients Needed to Make Jamie Oliver Turkey Wellington
- Turkey Breast: 1 kg (2.2 lbs) turkey breast, skinless and boneless
- Puff Pastry: 500 g (1.1 lbs) of ready-rolled puff pastry
- Mushrooms: 400 g (14 oz) of chestnut mushrooms, finely chopped
- Shallots: 4 shallots, finely chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- Fresh Thyme: 2 tablespoons of fresh thyme, chopped
- Dijon Mustard: 2 tablespoons, for brushing the turkey
- Egg: 1 large egg, beaten, for glazing the pastry
- Olive Oil: For cooking
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
Equipment
- Large Frying Pan: For cooking the mushrooms and shallots.
- Food Processor: Optional, for chopping mushrooms.
- Baking Sheet: Lined with parchment paper.
- Pastry Brush: For applying the egg wash and mustard.
- Meat Thermometer: To ensure the turkey is cooked to the correct temperature.
Instructions to Make Jamie Oliver Turkey Wellington
Step 1: Prepare the Mushroom Duxelles
- Heat the Oil: In a large frying pan, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat.
- Cook the Shallots and Garlic: Add the shallots and garlic to the pan, sautéing until they become translucent and fragrant.
- Add the Mushrooms: Incorporate the chopped mushrooms and increase the heat. Cook the mixture until the mushrooms are golden and all the moisture has evaporated.
- Season and Cool: Stir in the chopped thyme, season with salt and pepper, and remove from heat. Allow the mixture to cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Turkey
- Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Season the Turkey: Lay the turkey breast on a cutting board and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Add Mustard: Brush the entire surface of the turkey with Dijon mustard.
Step 3: Assemble the Wellington
- Roll Out the Pastry: On a floured surface, roll out the puff pastry into a rectangle large enough to completely envelop the turkey breast.
- Spread the Duxelles: Spread the cooled mushroom mixture evenly over the pastry, leaving a border at the edges.
- Place the Turkey: Lay the seasoned turkey breast in the center of the pastry.
- Wrap It Up: Carefully fold the pastry over the turkey, sealing the edges with a little beaten egg to keep them closed.
- Seal and Score: Press the edges to seal completely and score the top of the pastry lightly with a knife for decoration.
- Egg Wash: Brush the entire surface with the beaten egg to ensure a golden finish.
Step 4: Baking
- Bake: Place the wrapped turkey on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden.
- Check the Temperature: Ensure the turkey is cooked through by checking it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Rest: Let the Wellington rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
What Do I Serve With Jamie Oliver Turkey Wellington?
- Vibrant Vegetables: Pair your Wellington with roasted carrots or Brussels sprouts for a pop of color and a touch of natural sweetness.
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Serve alongside a bowl of creamy mashed potatoes for a rich and comforting complement.
- Rich Gravy: A homemade turkey gravy made from pan drippings can add a savory depth to each bite.
- Festive Cranberry Sauce: Offer a side of tangy cranberry sauce to cut through the richness of the pastry and turkey.
Pro Tips to Make Perfect Jamie Oliver Turkey Wellington
- Ensure Dry Duxelles: Make sure your mushroom duxelles are dry and cooled; excess moisture can make the pastry soggy.
- Chill Before Baking: Chill the wrapped Wellington in the fridge for 30 minutes before baking to help the pastry maintain its shape.
- Don’t Skip Resting: Allow the Wellington to rest after baking. This helps the juices redistribute, making the turkey moist and easier to slice.
- Trim Excess Pastry: Avoid excessive pastry layers which can lead to undercooking. Trim any excess to ensure even cooking and a crisp finish.
- Seal Edges Well: Use the beaten egg as a ‘glue’ to seal the edges of the pastry thoroughly, preventing any filling from leaking during baking.
- Score the Pastry Lightly: Lightly scoring the top of the pastry not only adds a decorative touch but helps steam escape, avoiding a soggy crust.
- Use a Preheated Baking Tray: Placing the Wellington on a hot baking tray starts the cooking process immediately, helping to crisp the bottom.
Variations of Jamie Oliver Turkey Wellington
- Spinach and Cheese: Add a layer of blanched spinach and grated Parmesan inside the pastry for an extra layer of flavor.
- Spicy Chorizo: Incorporate finely chopped chorizo into your mushroom duxelles for a spicy twist.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free puff pastry and ensure all other ingredients are suitable for a gluten-free diet.
- Mixed Herbs: Add a mixture of fresh herbs such as rosemary, sage, and parsley to the mushroom duxelles for additional fragrance and flavor.
- Mushroom Variety: Experiment with different types of mushrooms like shiitake or porcini for a deeper, earthier flavor profile.
- Smoked Bacon Layer: Wrap the turkey in smoked bacon before encasing it in pastry to add a smoky richness and extra moisture.
How Do I Store Jamie Oliver Turkey Wellington Leftovers?
- Refrigerate Properly: Wrap any leftovers tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing for Later: Freeze slices individually wrapped in cling film and foil for up to 2 months; defrost thoroughly before reheating.
How Do I Reheat Jamie Oliver Turkey Wellington Leftovers?
- Oven Reheating: Reheat slices in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
- Avoid the Microwave: Using a microwave can make the pastry soggy, so it’s best to use an oven to retain the texture.
Nutrition Value (Per Serving)
- Calories: Approximately 450
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 25g (Saturated Fat: 8g)
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
- Sodium: 500mg
FAQs
What can I use instead of turkey in a Wellington recipe?
You can substitute the turkey with chicken breasts, pork tenderloin, or for a vegetarian option, a blend of mixed mushrooms or a whole cauliflower.
How long should I let the Turkey Wellington rest before serving?
It’s best to let the Turkey Wellington rest for at least 10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring that it is moist and easy to slice.
Can I prepare Turkey Wellington ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Turkey Wellington ahead of time. Assemble the Wellington up to the point of baking and keep it refrigerated for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if necessary.
Is Turkey Wellington suitable for freezing?
Turkey Wellington can be frozen before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
Final Words
Jamie Oliver’s Turkey Wellington is more than just a meal; it’s a standout dish that blends great taste with a fancy look. Perfect for celebrations or when you want to impress your guests, this recipe is sure to please everyone at your table. Its special preparation and impressive presentation make it a memorable part of any meal.