P'tcha


P'tcha or galareta is a traditional Ashkenazi Jewish dish. It is a type of an aspic, prepared from calves' feet. The name appears to derive from the Turkish words paça çorbası, or "leg soup".

History

In Eastern Europe, Jews served p'tcha with chopped eggs on Sabbath. In the early 20th century, Jewish immigrants in the United States continued to prepare the dish, and it was often served as an appetizer at Jewish weddings. The Encyclopedia of Jewish Food describes it as a delicacy made from one of the least expensive parts of the animal.
The Second Avenue Deli in Manhattan is one of the few Jewish restaurants in the United States that still serves p'tcha. Given the small and dwindling customer base, p'tcha is made to order upon request. In 2019, a kosher deli opened in Miami that serves p'tcha.