After reviewing the Mini Pork and Apple Sausage Rolls earlier this year, I was really excited to hear that the Linda McCartney brand has brought out another flavour and right in time for Halloween and Christmas buffets- (yes, I said the H and C word- but as a vegan you have to be prepared).
So, what of the Vegetarian Beef, Mushroom and Spinach Wellington Bites?
They are really easy to prepare- you just lie them out on a baking tray, brush them with a plant-based milk- I opted for almond- but I guess any would work. Then simply pop them in the oven for around 20 minutes- the same time it takes to prepare some chips to go alongside- perfect for an indulgent dinner!
The pastry was light and puffy and didn’t flake too much which can be a failing of other mini bites like these to the point where you’re only left with the filling. These kept their shape and didn’t stick too much to the tray.
The beef flavoured soya made a pleasant change to ‘pork’. The flavours weren’t particularly strong so the mushroom and the spinach didn’t overbear the soya and vice versa.
They are ideal for dipping if you’re also a fan of tomato sauce with pretty much everything- like me- these go very well with the red stuff.
I am off to a Christening in October, so I have stashed some of these away in the freezer so I will have something I can tuck into from the buffet table along with my fellow veggies.
I will definitely be buying some of these for over the festive period so I can trick my friends and family. I love it when they eat something that’s vegan and have no idea they’re doing so. It just goes to show that we don’t need to sacrifice animals to put on a delicious spread. The experts know how to make their foods taste just the same as the meat version- so why bother with the cow? Let them enjoy their Christmas too!
I think my only criticism is that they are- for now- only available in Sainsburys- so my Christmas wish is that Asda will eventually stock them too!
Linda McCartney’s Vegetarian Beef, Mushroom and Spinach Wellington Bites are available from Sainsburys from 20th August for £2.00.
