Paya Recipe

 

    Paya, also known as Paya Soup or Paya Curry, is a traditional South Asian dish made from goat or lamb trotters (feet). It is a popular delicacy in many regions and is known for its rich and flavorful broth. Here's a recipe for Paya Soup:

Ingredients:

4 to 6 goat or lamb trotters (cleaned and split)

2 onions, finely chopped

4 tomatoes, pureed

2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste

2 tablespoons ghee or oil

2 teaspoons turmeric powder

2 teaspoons red chili powder

2 teaspoons coriander powder

1 teaspoon cumin powder

1 teaspoon garam masala

1 cinnamon stick

4 to 6 cloves

4 to 6 green cardamom pods

2 bay leaves

Salt to taste

Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped (for garnish)

Fresh ginger, julienned (for garnish)

Fresh lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions:

 a large pot, add the cleaned and split trotters along with enough water to cover them. Bring the water to a boil and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. Drain the water and rinse the trotters thoroughly.

In the same pot, heat the ghee or oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.

Add the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for another minute until the raw smell disappears.

Add the pureed tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes until the oil separates from the mixture.

Add the turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, garam masala, cinnamon stick, cloves, green cardamom pods, and bay leaves. Mix well and cook for 2 minutes to release the flavors.

Add the cleaned trotters to the pot and stir to coat them with the spice mixture.

Pour enough water into the pot to cover the trotters. Season with salt to taste.

Cover the pot and let the Paya simmer on low heat for about 3 to 4 hours or until the trotters are tender and the flavors have infused into the broth. You may need to add more water during cooking if needed.

Once the trotters are cooked, remove the cinnamon stick, cloves, cardamom pods, and bay leaves from the pot.

Serve the Paya soup hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves and julienned ginger. Squeeze a little lemon juice over the soup for added freshness.

Paya soup is traditionally enjoyed with naan, roti, or rice.

Paya soup is a hearty and flavorsome dish that is often served during special occasions or as a comforting meal. The slow cooking process allows the trotters to become tender and releases the rich flavors into the broth. Enjoy this traditional South Asian delicacy!