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The Spruce / Diana Chistruga
Nutritional Guidelines (per serving) | |
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280 | Calories |
24g | Fat |
15g | Carbs |
7g | Protein |
Nutrition Facts | |
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Servings: 1 | |
Amount per serving | |
Calories | 280 |
% Daily Value* | |
Total Fat 24g | 31% |
Saturated Fat 14g | 72% |
Cholesterol 61mg | 20% |
Sodium 793mg | 34% |
Total Carbohydrate 15g | 5% |
Dietary Fiber 5g | 18% |
Protein 7g | |
Calcium 47mg | 4% |
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. |
Mushroom duxelles (pronounced duck-SELL) is an intensely flavored combination of finely chopped mushrooms, shallots, and fresh herbs such as thyme or parsley that are slowly cooked to a paste-like consistency. French in origin, named after the Marquis d'Uxelles, this mushroom condiment is traditionally used in the preparation of beef Wellington, but it can also be used to flavor soups and sauces and fill omelets and ravioli. It also happens to make for a delectable spread on crostini or toast points. Duxelles is also sometimes found inside flaky pastries and baked as a savory tart. Other creative uses include adding it as a flavor booster for mashed potatoes or mushroom-centric pasta dishes.
The key ingredients in duxelles are mushrooms, butter, salt, and pepper. Any type of mushroom or a combination can be used, including cremini, morel, shiitake, porcini, and white button mushrooms, and ingredient variations can include shallots and/or garlic and chopped fresh parsley.
An important step in making duxelles is to remove as much moisture as possible from the mushrooms, both before cooking and during the process. They need to be cooked long enough so the mushrooms release their moisture, and then cooked completely until the liquid evaporates. This will prevent any unnecessary sogginess, which is essential to a crisp pastry for beef Wellington.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces mushrooms (any kind, or variety)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
- 1 medium shallot, finely chopped (about 1/4 cup)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup dry vermouth (or sherry or white wine)
Steps to Make It
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Gather the ingredients.
The Spruce / Diana Chistruga
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Finely chop the mushrooms in a food processor.
The Spruce / Diana Chistruga
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Scrape the mushrooms onto a clean cotton kitchen towel. (Choose an old towel as the mushrooms will stain it. Do not use terry cloth.)
The Spruce / Diana Chistruga
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Over a sink, twist the towel around the mushrooms to wring out as much liquid as possible.
The Spruce / Diana Chistruga
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Heat a large (10-inch) nonstick skillet over medium to medium-high heat.
The Spruce / Diana Chistruga
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Add 1 tablespoon of the butter and swirl to melt and avoid burning.
The Spruce / Diana Chistruga
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Add the mushrooms, shallot, thyme, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of black pepper.
The Spruce / Diana Chistruga
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Cook until the mushrooms release their liquid, and continue to cook until the liquid evaporates and the mushrooms appear dry and begin to brown, about 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
The Spruce / Diana Chistruga
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Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon butter and, when melted, add the vermouth.
The Spruce / Diana Chistruga
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Cook until the vermouth has evaporated, stirring frequently. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper, if desired.
The Spruce / Diana Chistruga
Tip
You can make the duxelles a day ahead of time so that the assembly of the beef Wellington goes more quickly. Use in your favorite recipe.
How to Store Duxelles
- Duxelles freeze well. This recipe produces more than you need for two Wellingtons, so you can save the remainder for future use. Roll the amount you won't immediately use into a log and wrap in plastic or foil, or spoon portions into an ice cube tray, and freeze. When ready to use, cut a portion from the log or remove a cube when needed.