Mutton lovers, rejoice! Today, we’re venturing beyond the realm of your everyday chops and curries to explore a world of rich, flavorful broths – the world of mutton  paya soup.

Mutton Paya & Paya Soup: Decoding the Dish

Paya simply translates to “feet” in Hindi, and mutton paya specifically refers to a dish made with sheep or goat trotters. Now, before you wrinkle your nose, hear us out! Mutton Paya boasts a unique and deeply satisfying taste that has earned it a loyal following across South Asia.

Paya soup, on the other hand, can be made with various trotters, be it mutton, goat (often called bakra ka paya), or even beef. This hearty soup is a winter staple, offering a comforting warmth with every spoonful.

But wait, there’s more! This flavorful journey doesn’t end there. We’ll also be exploring some regional variations like the fiery kharode ka soup and the legendary Hyderabadi mutton paya.

Mutton Paya Soup Recipe: Classic Comfort
For those new to the world of paya, this classic mutton paya soup recipe is a great place to start.

Ingredients

• 500g mutton paya from FreshToHome 
• 4 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1/2 tsp red chilli powder (adjust based on spice preference)
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 cloves
• 2 green cardamoms
• 4 cups water
• Salt to taste
• Chopped fresh coriander (for garnish)

1.
Prepping the Paya
The key to a good paya dish lies in the preparation. Start by thoroughly cleaning the trotters. This might involve singeing any remaining hair and scraping off any dirt. Most butchers will be happy to clean them for you if you ask. Once clean, chop the trotters into manageable pieces.

2.
Building the Broth
Heat oil in a large pressure cooker over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds. Throw in the sliced onion and cook until softened and translucent. Now, introduce the ginger and garlic, and sauté for another minute.

3.
Spice Symphony
Time to unleash the symphony of spices! Add the coriander powder, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, bay leaf, cloves, and cardamoms. Stir everything together and let the spices release their intoxicating aroma for about a minute.

4.
Pressure’s On!
Pour in the water and bring it to a boil. Add the chopped mutton trotters and salt to taste. Now comes the pressure cooker magic – close the lid securely, ensuring proper pressure buildup, and cook for 45-50 minutes on medium heat.

5.
The Grand Finale
Once the pressure cooker has released its steam naturally, carefully open the lid. Check the trotters for tenderness – they should be falling off the bone. If not, cook for a few more minutes on the stovetop with the lid off.

6.
Garnish & Glory
Garnish your piping hot mutton paya soup with some fresh coriander for a pop of colour and enjoy! Serve it with crusty bread for dipping, or pair it with rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

Exploring the Paya Universe: Regional Delights

Now that you’ve mastered the classic, let’s delve into some regional variations:

• Aatukal Paya: This Keralan speciality features a creamy coconut milk base, adding a touch of sweetness to the savoury broth.
• Kharode ka Soup: This fiery Maharashtrian delight is packed with chillies and spices, sure to set your taste buds on fire (in a good way!).
• Hyderabadi Mutton Paya: This rich and flavorful dish from Hyderabad boasts a unique blend of spices and often includes bone marrow for an extra layer of decadence.

Beyond Paya Soup: Exploring Other Options

There’s a whole world of deliciousness beyond soups! Here are some other paya options to explore:

• Mutton Paya Curry: A richer and thicker version of the soup, this curry is perfect for those who love a deeper flavour profile.
• Goat Paya (Bakra ka Paya): Substitute mutton with goat trotters for a slightly different yet equally delicious experience.

With a pot of steaming paya soup in hand, gather your loved ones and create some delicious memories. After all, good food is best shared with good company. So, grab a spoon, embrace the unique flavours, and embark on your paya adventure!

 

SUBMITTED BY:
Deva Darshan
FreshToHome Customer, Since 2022
Fish Lover &  Home Chef