Paya Recipe

Paya is a popular South Indian dish made from goat or sheep trotters, slowly cooked in a flavorful broth. It’s often enjoyed for breakfast or dinner and is known for its rich, hearty taste.

Here’s a basic paya recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 kg goat or sheep trotters, cleaned and chopped
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)  
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/4 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/4 teaspoon fenugreek seeds
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 clove
• 1 cardamom pod
• 3-4 cups water
• Salt to taste
• 1 tablespoon oil or ghee

Instructions:

1. Clean and chop trotters: Clean the trotters thoroughly and chop them into smaller pieces.
2. Sauté spices: Heat the oil or ghee in a large pot. Add cumin seeds, coriander powder, red chilli powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, fenugreek seeds, bay leaf, cinnamon stick, clove, and cardamom pod. Sauté for a few seconds.
3. Add onions and ginger-garlic paste: Add the chopped onion and ginger-garlic paste. Sauté until the onions become soft and translucent.
4. Add trotters and water: Add the chopped trotters and water to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the meat is tender.
5. Adjust taste: Add salt to taste and simmer for a few more minutes.

Tips:

• For a spicier paya, add more red chilli powder or some chopped green chillies.
• You can add other vegetables, like potatoes or carrots, to the paya for a more filling meal.
• Paya is often served with naan or roti.
• If you prefer a milder flavour, you can remove the bay leaf, cinnamon stick, clove, and cardamom pod before serving.

Enjoy your delicious paya!