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Inspired by classic beef Wellington, which features a beef tenderloin encased in puff pastry, we created this recipe for a homey potpie. Beef short ribs are braised with mushrooms and pearl onions in a savory stock-wine mixture. Then the dish is topped with puff pastry and baked until golden brown. It makes an impressive main course for a casual gathering with friends.
Ingredients:
2 1/4 lb. boneless beef short ribs, cut into 1-inch dice
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
2 Tbs. olive oil
1/4 lb. prosciutto, cut into 1/4-inch squares
3/4 lb. cremini mushrooms, quartered
8 Tbs. (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into cubes
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup red wine
1 1/2 Tbs. beef demi-glace
3 cups beef stock
1 tsp. chopped fresh thyme
1 bay leaf
1 1/2 cups pearl onions
1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1 sheet puff pastry, 10 to 11 inches square
1 egg, lightly beaten with 1 tsp. water
Directions:
Preheat an oven to 325°F.

Season the beef with salt and pepper. In a 3 1/2-quart wide Dutch oven over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil. Working in batches, brown the beef on all sides, 8 to 10 minutes per batch. Transfer to a bowl.

Reduce the heat to medium. Add the prosciutto and cook, stirring occasionally, until crisp, 6 to 8 minutes. Add to the bowl with the beef. Increase the heat to medium-high, add the mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 8 minutes. Add to the bowl with the beef.

Pour off the excess fat in the pot. Return the pot to medium heat and melt the butter. Stir in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, 2 to 3 minutes. Whisk in the wine and demi-glace and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in the stock and bring to a simmer. Add the thyme, bay leaf, pearl onions, beef, prosciutto and mushrooms. Lightly season with salt and pepper. Cover the pot, transfer to the oven and cook until the beef is fork-tender, 2 to 2 1/2 hours. Discard the bay leaf and spoon the excess fat off the cooking liquid. Stir in the parsley.

Increase the oven temperature to 400°F.

Place the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured work surface. Using a sharp knife, score the pastry with diagonal lines about 2 inches apart, forming a diamond pattern. Brush the edge of the pot with water, then brush the pastry with the egg mixture. Place the pastry, egg wash side up, over the pot and press the edges to seal. Trim the overhanging pastry to 1 inch.

Transfer the pot to the oven and bake until the pastry is puffed and golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Serves 6 to 8.

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