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This is a savoury bake that will wow the crowd at your next street party. Classic British Wellington is given an Indian-inspired spin with a fragrant lamb filling. A real taste of Britain that's just as good eaten hot or cold. See method
of the reference intake Carbohydrate 34.9g Protein 23.7g Fibre 4.5g
Heat the oil in a frying pan and add the onions with a pinch of salt. Cook over a medium heat for 10 mins, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent. Stir in the spices and cook for 1 min, then stir in the tomato purée. Scrape into a large bowl and leave to cool completely. Tip the spinach into the pan and cook, stirring, for 2-3 mins until wilted and reduced. Tip into a sieve and squeeze out as much moisture as you can; chop and set aside.
When the onions are cool, add the lamb mince, toasted cumin seeds, breadcrumbs, apricots, spinach and olives; season. Use your hands to mix everything together well. Add the cheese and mix carefully.
Unroll the pastry onto a lightly floured surface. Shape the mince mixture into a 35cm-long sausage along one of the longer sides of the pastry, leaving a 4cm border at the edge. Brush the remaining exposed pastry with beaten egg. Fold the other half of the pastry over the meat and press the edges. Trim to leave a 3cm border all the way around, then press with a fork. Transfer to a baking tray, brush with egg and chill for 1 hr (or up to 48 hrs).
Preheat the oven to gas 7, 220°C, fan 200°C. Brush the Wellington with more beaten egg, score the surface lightly with a sharp knife, then scatter over the poppy seeds and 1 tsp cumin seeds. Bake for 25 mins, then reduce the heat to gas 4, 180°C, fan 160°C and bake for a further 20-25 mins until the pastry base is crisp and deep brown. Remove from the oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool for 20-25 mins. Slice and serve with chutney, yogurt and salad, if you like. Can be assembled 48 hrs ahead and kept chilled. Continue from step 4 to bake. Or make and bake the day before and enjoy cold.
Cook's tip: Don’t skimp on the breadcrumbs. Lamb mince can release a lot of juices and the breadcrumbs are important to avoid a soggy bottom!
Freezing and defrosting guidelines
In order to enjoy optimum flavour and quality, frozen items are best used within 3 months of their freezing date. For more tips on freezing and defrosting food, read our article Love Your Freezer.
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For top tips on protecting you and your family when preparing raw meat and poultry, visit Food Safety in the Home
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