Christmas Vegetarian Wellington Recipe for Festive Feasts

The holiday season is the perfect time to gather around the table and enjoy a meal that’s both festive and full of flavor. If you’re looking for a show-stopping vegetarian main dish that will impress your guests and satisfy even the most dedicated meat lovers, this Christmas Vegetarian Wellington recipe is exactly what you need.

Wrapped in golden, flaky puff pastry and packed with a savory medley of mushrooms, chestnuts, spinach, and rich herbs, this Wellington is a celebration of seasonal ingredients and comforting textures.

This recipe combines traditional Christmas flavors with a modern vegetarian twist, making it an ideal centerpiece for your holiday feast. Whether you’re a vegetarian or simply want to add a meat-free option to your Christmas menu, this Wellington promises a delightful blend of taste and presentation that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Plus, it pairs wonderfully with classic sides and festive sauces, creating a complete holiday dining experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Christmas Vegetarian Wellington is a fantastic alternative to the usual holiday roasts, offering a rich, hearty, and satisfying dish that doesn’t compromise on flavor or festivity. Here’s why it stands out:

• Elegant Presentation: The golden puff pastry crust makes it a stunning centerpiece for your table.
• Hearty and Nutritious: Filled with mushrooms, chestnuts, spinach, and herbs, it’s packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
• Vegetarian-Friendly: Perfect for vegetarians and those looking to reduce meat consumption during the holiday season.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the filling ahead of time and assemble just before baking, making your Christmas day less stressful.
• Customizable: Easy to tweak with your favorite seasonal vegetables or nuts to suit your taste.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 500g mixed mushrooms (such as chestnut, cremini, and shiitake), finely chopped
• 150g cooked chestnuts, roughly chopped
• 100g fresh spinach, washed and chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 100g cream cheese or vegetarian cream cheese alternative
• 1 sheet puff pastry (approx. 320g), thawed
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash, or use plant-based milk for vegan option)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: 50g walnuts or pecans, chopped for extra crunch

Equipment

• Large frying pan or skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Sharp knife and chopping board
• Pastry brush
• Baking tray lined with parchment paper
• Rolling pin (optional)
• Oven preheated to 200°C (390°F)

Instructions

1. Prepare the filling: Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
2. Add garlic and mushrooms: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Then add the chopped mushrooms. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms release their moisture and it evaporates, resulting in a dry mixture.
3. Incorporate chestnuts and herbs: Add the chopped chestnuts, thyme, rosemary, and season with salt and pepper. Cook for another 3-4 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Mix in spinach and cream cheese: Remove the pan from heat. Stir in the chopped spinach and cream cheese until well combined. If using nuts, fold them in now. Set the mixture aside to cool completely.
5. Prepare the puff pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet into a rectangle approximately 35x25cm. Spread the Dijon mustard evenly over the pastry, leaving a 2cm border around the edges.
6. Assemble the Wellington: Spoon the cooled filling mixture down the center of the pastry rectangle, shaping it into a log. Carefully fold the pastry over the filling, sealing the edges by pinching or using a little water. Trim any excess pastry.
7. Glaze and decorate: Place the Wellington seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking tray. Brush the entire pastry with beaten egg or plant-based milk for a golden finish. Use leftover pastry to cut festive shapes and decorate the top if desired.
8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
9. Rest and serve: Let the Wellington rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This helps the filling set and makes it easier to cut.

Tips & Variations

Tip: Make your mushroom filling the day before to deepen the flavors and reduce your holiday kitchen rush.

Variation: For a vegan version, swap the cream cheese for a plant-based alternative and use non-dairy milk for the glaze.

Tip: Add roasted butternut squash or sweet potatoes for a touch of sweetness and extra texture.

Variation: Replace chestnuts with walnuts or pecans for a different nutty flavor and crunch.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This Christmas Vegetarian Wellington pairs beautifully with a variety of classic holiday sides. Consider serving it alongside creamy mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts with chestnuts, or a tangy cranberry sauce for a festive touch.

A rich red wine gravy or a vegetarian mushroom jus can elevate the flavors even more.

For a lighter option, serve with a crisp winter salad featuring pomegranate seeds, toasted walnuts, and a balsamic vinaigrette. If you want to explore more delicious vegetable recipes to accompany your meal, check out our Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe for a vibrant and flavorful side dish.

Conclusion

This Christmas Vegetarian Wellington is the ultimate festive dish for anyone wanting to impress at the holiday table with a meat-free option that doesn’t skimp on flavor or elegance. Its rich mushroom and chestnut filling wrapped in buttery puff pastry will delight vegetarians and omnivores alike, making it a perfect centerpiece for your holiday feast.

With easy-to-follow steps and room to customize with your favorite seasonal ingredients, this recipe is as accessible as it is delicious. Don’t forget to prepare your sides early and explore complementary recipes like our Pickled Cherry Pepper Recipe for a tangy twist or our Pecan Crackers Recipe to add a crunchy snack to your Christmas spread.

Wishing you a joyful and flavorful holiday season!

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