Wondering what is paya soup and how to make it? don’t worry, we got you covered. Paya soup is a traditional and flavourful soup popular in many parts of India. This delicious soup is made from the feet of a goat or a sheep. It is typically slow-cooked with a variety of herbs and spices to create a hearty and nourishing soup. In this blog, let us immerse ourselves in this world of delicious nourishment of Paya.
What does Paya mean?
The word ‘Paya’ is derived from the Urdu language which means ‘feet’. The raw ingredient for Paya is the feet of a goat or a sheep. This dish is very popular during Indian winters to keep the body warm and improve immunity.
The many benefits of Paya soup
Paya soup is not only a delectable dish but also loaded with many health benefits. Some of the most notable benefits of drinking Paya are:
1. Boosts Immunity
This soup is rich in nutrients like Collagen and Glucosamine, which are known to fortify our immune system and improve overall health.
2. Improves digestion
Paya soup is known to improve our digestive function and aids in nutrient absorption (what is the use of consuming nutrients if they can’t be absorbed?). It is also rich in Gelatin, which is beneficial for the gut lining and improves overall gut health.
3. Improves joint health
The presence of Glucosamine and Chondroitin in paya soup is also beneficial for joint health. These nutrients help to reduce inflammation and pain in joints, making it an ideal dish for people suffering from Arthritis.
4. Helps in Weight Loss
Paya soup is low in calories and high in protein, which is a boon for people trying to lose weight.
5. Promotes healthy skin
The Collagen present in Paya soup is great for promoting healthy skin. It helps to reduce wrinkles and gives the skin a healthy glow.
Paya soup recipe
Having seen some of the key benefits, let us look at the recipe of Paya so that you can try it out in the comfort of your home.
Ingredients for Paya soup
- 4 goat legs (cleaned and washed)
- 1 chopped large onion
- 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp red chilly powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 – 3 cinnamon sticks
- 4 – 5 cloves
- Salt to taste
- Water (as per requirement)
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnishing
- Lemon wedges (while plating the dish)
Paya soup preparation procedure
- Clean and wash the goat legs thoroughly and keep them aside.
- In a pressure cooker heat some oil and add in the chopped onions.
- Fry the onions till they turn golden brown.
- Add ginger garlic paste and continue to cook it for a few more minutes.
- Add the powdered spices (turmeric powder, red chilli powder, coriander powder and cumin powder) to the cooker and mix it well.
- Add the goat legs to the cooker and mix them well with the spices.
- Add the whole spices (Bay leaves, cinnamon sticks, cloves) and salt to taste.
- Add enough water to the pot such that it covers all the leg pieces completely.
- Pressure cook the leg pieces for 5 to 6 whistles.
- Check if the leg pieces are tender enough so that the meat easily falls off the bones.
- Once cooked, remove the bones from the cooker and strain the soup through a strainer.
- Garnish the soup with fresh coriander leaves. Finish off by plating the soup with a lemon wedge.
Conclusion
Now that you know about paya soup, its benefits and how to make it but don’t want to go through the hassle of cooking it, you can just visit us and try out Paya Soup. At Jagavi’s Kritunga Restaurant, we serve Paya soup as one of our finest appetizers.