Beef Wellington Tarts

This contemporary take on beef Wellington reimagines pastry-wrapped tenderloin as a tart, showcasing flavors both comforting and complex. Crisp, buttery puff pastry forms the foundation; foie gras enriches the sauce.

• 8 ounces beef tenderloin
• Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
• 4 teaspoons olive oil
• All-purpose flour, for dusting
• 1 sheet (11-inch square) thawed frozen puff pastry, preferably DuFour
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, thinly sliced
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, plus more for garnish
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 2 ounces foie gras mousse (about 1/4 cup)

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Season beef with salt and pepper. Heat 2 teaspoons oil in an ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add beef, and cook until completely browned, about 1 minute per side. Transfer skillet to oven, and cook to desired doneness (130 degrees for medium-rare, 8 to 9 minutes). Transfer beef to a plate, and let rest, uncovered, for 10 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, on a lightly floured surface, cut two 5 1/2-inch squares from puff pastry; reserve remaining dough for another use. Using a paring knife, score a 1/2-inch border around each square. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and refrigerate for 15 minutes.
3. Bake for 10 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 375 degrees, and continue to bake until puffed and golden brown, about 10 minutes more.
4. Meanwhile, melt butter with remaining 2 teaspoons oil in a clean skillet over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms, thyme, and garlic, and cook until mushrooms are tender and garlic has softened, about 8 minutes. Add wine, and cook until reduced by half, about 1 minute. Using a slotted spoon, transfer mixture to a small bowl.
5. Add foie gras mousse to skillet, and reduce heat to low. Stir until just melted. Remove from heat.
6. Using the back of a spoon, flatten inside portion of each pastry square. Thinly slice beef, and arrange slices on top of pastry. Top with mushroom mixture, and drizzle with sauce. Serve immediately.

*Pastry Tip: Packaged puff pastry works quite well, as long as it contains real butter (this ensures the pastry puffs into numerous rich, flaky layers). Don't forget to thaw the dough before baking.

**recipe from Martha Stewart.com**