Have you ever wanted to impress your dinner guests with a fancy and delicious meal, but didn’t want to break the bank?
Look no further than Lidl’s frozen section. Yes, you read that right – Lidl, the discount supermarket chain, is now offering a British Beef Wellington with mushroom duxcelle.
But is it any good? We decided to investigate and give our honest review of this unexpected find.
So, grab a glass of wine and let’s dive into the world of frozen gourmet cuisine from Lidl.
Does Lidl Sell Beef Wellington?
Yes, Lidl now sells a frozen British Beef Wellington with mushroom duxcelle. This classic dish is made with succulent fillet steak as the filling, wrapped in flaky pastry and topped with a rich mushroom mixture.
This may come as a surprise to some, as Lidl is known for its affordable prices and discount products. However, the supermarket chain has been expanding its range of gourmet and specialty items in recent years, including its Deluxe line of products.
The Basics: What Is Beef Wellington?
Beef Wellington is a classic British dish that originated in the 1800s. It is traditionally made with beef tenderloin that is coated in a savory mixture of sautéed mushrooms, shallots, and thyme, known as duxelles. The tenderloin is then wrapped in prosciutto or ham, and finally, puff pastry. The dish is baked in the oven until the pastry is golden brown and the beef is cooked to perfection. The result is a decadent and rich dish that is perfect for special occasions and holiday dinners. Some variations may include pâté or a layer of egg crêpes beneath the puff pastry. While it may seem like a daunting dish to make, with the right recipe and technique, anyone can master this classic dish and impress their guests.
Lidl’s Beef Wellington: Packaging And Price
The Lidl Beef Wellington comes in a frozen package, making it convenient for those who want to enjoy a gourmet meal without the hassle of preparing it from scratch. The packaging is sleek and simple, with an image of the dish on the front and clear cooking instructions on the back.
As for the price, Lidl’s Beef Wellington is priced at an affordable £7.99 for a 450g package. This is significantly cheaper than other retailers that sell similar products, making it an excellent option for those on a budget who still want to indulge in a luxurious meal.
It’s worth noting that Lidl’s Beef Wellington is part of their Deluxe line of products, which includes other premium items such as venison steaks and all-butter ginger stem cookies. Lidl has expanded the Deluxe range in response to customer demand for affordable luxury items during the holiday season.
Cooking And Preparation: Is It Easy?
Cooking and preparing Beef Wellington can be a daunting task for even the most experienced home cook. However, Lidl has made it easier for customers to enjoy this classic dish with their frozen Beef Wellington.
To prepare the dish, simply preheat the oven to 220°C/200°C fan/gas mark 7 and place the frozen Wellington on a lined baking tray. Brush the pastry with egg wash and sprinkle with a little salt before baking for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and crisp.
The filling of the Beef Wellington is made with succulent fillet steak, which should be seasoned with salt and seared in a hot pan until brown all over before being wrapped in pastry. The mushroom duxcelle mixture, made with mushrooms, garlic, shallots, and seasoning, adds a depth of flavor to the dish.
For those who want to make their own Beef Wellington from scratch, Lidl chef Kevin Love has shared his recipe and tips for making this showstopper dish in a video on the Mumsnet YouTube channel. With a bit of guidance and practice, even novice cooks can create a delicious Beef Wellington to impress their loved ones.
Taste Test: Our Honest Review
We decided to put Lidl’s Beef Wellington to the test and give our honest review. The packaging claims that the beef has been matured for 21 days and is described as “succulent”. However, upon tasting it, we found that it was a little on the dry side.
The pastry, on the other hand, was perfect and tasted almost as good as homemade. It was flaky and buttery, which complemented the filling well. Speaking of the filling, the hunk of meat inside was of good quality and had a rich flavor.
Unfortunately, the mushroom duxcelle that topped the Wellington was a mixed bag. While it added a nice earthy flavor to the dish, it was overpowering and drowned out some of the other flavors. The jus that came with it was very rich and full of flavor, but there was too much of it, making the dish a little too heavy.
Comparison To Restaurant Quality Beef Wellington
While Lidl’s frozen Beef Wellington may not compare to the quality and taste of a freshly made dish at a high-end restaurant, it is still a great option for those who want to enjoy this classic British dish at home without breaking the bank.
The key difference between Lidl’s frozen version and a restaurant-quality Beef Wellington is the quality of the ingredients used. Restaurants often use prime cuts of meat, such as Aberdeen Angus fillet, which can be quite expensive. Lidl’s version may not use the same high-quality meat, but it still provides a tasty and affordable alternative.
Additionally, restaurants often make their own pastry from scratch, which can be time-consuming and requires skill. Lidl’s frozen version uses pre-made pastry, which is still flaky and delicious but may not have the same depth of flavor as homemade pastry.
Conclusion: Is Lidl’s Beef Wellington Worth Trying?
If you’re a fan of Beef Wellington or looking to try it for the first time, Lidl’s frozen Beef Wellington is definitely worth a try. The dish is made with quality British beef that has been matured for 21 days, and it is described as succulent. While some may find the beef a little on the dry side, the rich and flavorful jus more than makes up for it. The pastry is also said to be perfect and almost as good as homemade. At less than £3.50 per portion, this dish is an affordable way to enjoy a classic gourmet meal.
It’s worth noting that Beef Wellington has a rich history and is named after Arthur Wellesley, Duke of Wellington. While the origins of the dish are shrouded in mystery, it has become a popular gourmet meal in Britain and beyond. Lidl’s version of the dish may not have the same wow factor as some other gourmet options, but it is a great way to enjoy this classic dish at an affordable price.
