Home chefs across the Bradford area are being encouraged to share their cherished recipes for an exciting new project that aims to highlight the city’s diverse culinary heritage.
As part of the Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture initiative, the upcoming cookbook, titled Meet our Mothers, seeks to feature an impressive collection of 50 unique recipes that showcase the flavors of the local community.
Leading this creative endeavor is talented artist Deepa Mann-Kler, who describes the project as a heartfelt “celebration” of the eclectic mix of cultures and culinary delights that define Bradford.
“One of the things that brings human beings together is food and it’s common to cultures, class, races, communities,” she emphasizes, underscoring the universal language of food.
This cookbook will act as both a collection and a tribute to Bradford’s vibrant communities and the rich tapestry of tastes found throughout the district.
Recipes can be submitted by residents living within the BD or LS29 postcode areas via the City of Culture website until 9 December.
Contributors have the option to share their recipes either through written submissions or by video, making it accessible for everyone to participate.
Mrs. Mann-Kler is particularly eager to hear “special stories and memories around food” that accompany the submitted recipes.
She invites everyone to share their family recipes—those treasured dishes that have been passed down through generations.
“If there is a specific food or a recipe that has been in the family for generations, that has been passed down, we all have those recipes and we want to hear them,” she encourages.
Reflecting on her personal culinary journey, Mann-Kler shares, “The one that I go to in terms of my own reflection is a chicken curry recipe that my father taught me.” She reveals how preparing this dish transports her back to moments spent cooking with her father in Leicester.
“It brings me joy and I relive that as I cook it, as I eat it, as I share it with my children and my husband and it’s being passed on to another generation,” she adds, highlighting the powerful connection food creates across family bonds.
The finished cookbook is set to be available for purchase in late 2025, offering a glimpse into the soul of Bradford’s culinary scene.
To ensure that young voices are included in this project, anyone under 18 will need to obtain permission from a parent or guardian before submitting a recipe.
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How do you believe the “Meet Our Mothers” cookbook will impact the sense of community in Bradford?
**Interview with Deepa Mann-Kler: Celebrating Bradford’s Culinary Heritage through “Meet Our Mothers” Cookbook**
*Interviewer*: Thank you for joining us today, Deepa. Bradford is set to showcase its culinary heritage with an exciting cookbook, “Meet Our Mothers.” Can you share what inspired this project?
*Deepa Mann-Kler*: Thank you for having me! The inspiration comes from the rich tapestry of cultures and stories that define Bradford. Food is a universal language, and this project aims to celebrate how it brings people together. Through this cookbook, we want to honor the diverse culinary delights of our community and the cherished recipes that tell our stories.
*Interviewer*: That sounds wonderful! What kind of recipes are you hoping to include, and who can participate in this project?
*Deepa Mann-Kler*: We’re seeking to gather 50 unique recipes that reflect the flavors of the local community. Residents within the BD or LS29 postcode areas can contribute. They can submit their recipes either in writing or via video, making it accessible for everyone who wants to participate.
*Interviewer*: It’s great to see such an inclusive approach. You’ve mentioned wanting to hear the stories behind the recipes as well. Why do you think these stories are important?
*Deepa Mann-Kler*: Food is deeply personal, often tied to memories, family gatherings, and cultural celebrations. The stories behind each dish enrich the experience and connect us on a deeper level. We want to preserve not just the recipes but the heritage and love that go into them. If there’s a recipe that has been passed down through generations, we really want to hear about it!
*Interviewer*: That’s a beautiful sentiment. What do you hope this cookbook will achieve for the Bradford community?
*Deepa Mann-Kler*: I hope it fosters a sense of pride in our shared culinary heritage and encourages connections among neighbors. “Meet Our Mothers” is not just a cookbook; it’s a tribute to the vibrant communities in Bradford. It’s about celebrating what makes us unique while bringing us together through our love for food.
*Interviewer*: Thank you, Deepa! Before we wrap up, could you remind everyone of the submission deadline and where they can share their recipes?
*Deepa Mann-Kler*: Absolutely! Submissions can be made through the City of Culture website until December 9th. I encourage everyone to share their stories and recipes—we’re excited to hear from you!
*Interviewer*: Thank you so much for your time, Deepa. We’re looking forward to seeing the rich culinary heritage of Bradford represented in “Meet Our Mothers.”