Enjoy a comforting bowl of beef paya soup with warm naan. Slow-simmered beef bones create a rich broth, finished with a warmly spiced baghar. The hearty soup is perfect for chilly nights and your weekly dinner rotation.
What is Paya?
Paya is a traditional South Asian dish made by slow-cooking trotters (goat, lamb, or beef) in a spiced broth. The word “paya” means “legs” in Urdu, referring to the main ingredient—hooves. I know, I know—if you’d told me years ago that cow foot soup would be one of my favorite meals, I’d have called you crazy. But trust me, it’s just that good!
The savory broth simmers for hours (sometimes overnight) with onions, garlic, ginger, and warm spices. This slow-cooking process extracts collagen from the bones, giving the soup a rich, silky texture.
If you love this beef paya, you’ve got to try mutton paya soup next!
What is Paya Soup Made Of?
- Paya: Authentic Pakistani paya soup is made with beef trotters, but you can swap them for goat or lamb trotters if that’s what you have.
- Onions: Soften yellow onions to flavor the soup, then caramelize more for the rich, aromatic baghar.
- Garlic and Ginger: Use about seven garlic cloves and a 2½-inch piece of fresh ginger between the broth and baghar.
- Ghee: Add to the savoriness of the dish by sautéing the onions and aromatics in ghee.
- Spices: Enhance the baghar with dried bay leaves, red chili powder (or cayenne pepper), turmeric powder, coriander powder, kosher salt, and garam masala
- Cilantro: Finish with finely chopped cilantro leaves for a fresh garnish.
How to Make Paya Soup
The full recipe with measurements is in the recipe card below.
I usually prepare beef paya in an Instant Pot or pressure cooker to reduce the cooking time, but you can make it in a Dutch oven or stockpot. Follow the instructions below, but simmer the ingredients over medium heat for at least 1 hour for the best results.
Step 1: Combine beef trotters, onions, green chilies, garlic, ginger, kosher salt, and water in an Instant Pot. Secure the lid and set it to manual high pressure for 1 hour and 40 minutes with a 10-minute natural release.
What does natural release mean?
Natural release on the Instant Pot means allowing the pressure inside the pot to gradually decrease on its own after cooking finishes, without manually opening the pressure release valve. This process takes 10–30 minutes, depending on the amount of liquid inside the pot.
As the pressure decreases, the float valve will drop, signaling that it’s safe to open the lid. Natural release is ideal for soups, stews, or liquid-heavy recipes to prevent splattering.
Step 2: Meanwhile, warm ghee in a preheated skillet over low-medium heat. Add the onions and sauté until they brown and caramelize, for about 15-20 minutes. Add the garlic and ginger and cook for one minute.
Step 3: Stir in the broken bay leaves, red chili powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, kosher salt, and garam masala. Saute for 1-2 minutes, and set the baghar aside.
Step 4: Remove the lid from the Instant Pot and pour the baghar over the soup. Stir to combine, and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
Beef paya soup is a meal you can enjoy any time of day—whether as a hearty breakfast, weekly dinner, or a meal for special occasions. However you serve it, don’t forget the toppings! A plate of fresh cilantro, lemon wedges, chopped green chilies, and julienned ginger should do the trick.
Since paya is packed with flavor, it pairs well with fresh naan, roti, paratha, or sheermal to soak up the delicious broth. You can also serve it with heartier sides like fluffy basmati rice, jeera rice, or a vibrant kachumber salad.
What To Do With Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Store the leftover soup in an airtight container for 1-2 days.
- Freeze: Let the soup cool completely and transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Paya soup freezes for 2-3 months.
- Thaw: Defrost the frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight for the best results.
- Reheat: Warm the leftovers on the stovetop, prepare fresh toppings, and enjoy!
More International Dinner Ideas:
Paya Soup
- 3 pounds beef trotters
- 1 medium yellow onion, quartered
- 2-3 green chili peppers, slit lengthwise
- 5 garlic cloves, smashed
- 2 -inch knob of ginger, sliced
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 6 cups water
- ¼ cup ghee
- ¼ medium onion, finely diced
- 2 medium garlic cloves, minced
- ½ -inch knob of ginger, grated, plus more for garnish
- 2 bay leaves, broken into pieces
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon garam masala
- ¼ cup cilantro leaves, finely chopped
- Combine beef trotters, onions, green chilies, garlic, ginger, kosher salt, and water in an Instant Pot. Secure the lid and set it to manual high pressure for 1 hour and 40 minutes with a 10-minute natural release.
- Meanwhile, warm ghee in a preheated skillet over low-medium heat. Add the onions and sauté until they brown and caramelize, for about 15-20 minutes. Add the garlic and ginger and cook for one minute.
- Stir in the broken bay leaves, red chili powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, kosher salt, and garam masala. Saute for 1-2 minutes, and set the baghar aside.
- Remove the lid from the Instant Pot and pour the baghar over the soup. Stir to combine, and enjoy!
Ethan
Friday 26th of May 2023
Great, satisfying soup.
Ali
Friday 26th of May 2023
Absolutely divine! I couldn't get enough of the rich and nourishing flavors in this Paya Soup. The beef bones simmered to perfection, creating a comforting broth that warmed both my body and soul. The baghar added a delightful spice that elevated the dish even further. It's a winter staple in my household now!
Siraj Mbarouk
Friday 28th of April 2023
Absolutely delicious
Tressa Jamil
Friday 28th of April 2023
I am so happy you enjoyed the soup, Siraj.
Sarah J.
Tuesday 14th of February 2023
I recently tried the Paya Soup recipe and it was delicious! The beef trotters created a rich and flavorful broth that was perfect for a chilly day. The baghar added a nice touch of spice and I loved how nutritious and healthy the soup was. This recipe will definitely be added to my rotation for the fall and winter months. Thanks for sharing!
Megan
Monday 10th of October 2022
I love making this for dinner after long runs.
Tressa Jamil
Monday 10th of October 2022
Oh, same! My husband is a runner, and this is one of his favorites too! He especially loves it when he doesn't feel hungry but wants something healthy and filling.