A barbeque led to a mother and son setting up their own chutney business.
In 2021 Paalan Sood had some friends over at his house when his mum Neetu brought out some of her homemade chutney. Paalan who describes himself as a picky eater had never tried it but when he did he thought the world should taste it.
For Neetu who came to the UK in 1992 food is an important reminder of home and a way to celebrate her culture. They have now set up Mama Sood’s a new brand of homemade chutneys.
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Neetu, from Prescot, said that when she first came to Liverpool one of the hardest things was assimilating to British cuisine. A strict vegetarian Neetu was reduced to eating cheese pizza or jacket potato. However, the worst thing was the weather.
Neetu said: "I had an arranged marriage so I came to the UK and had my eldest daughter a year later. It was a cultural shock, obviously, the first thing was the weather, such a contrast from 50 degrees. I would be shivering in May, it took me a while to get adjusted.
"Belonging to Brahmin, our family food consisted of very simple and easy-to-cook vegetarian dishes without onions or garlic. Homemade pickles or chutneys added a spicy kick to our daily meals. It was so hard to find the good ingredients and would have to go to Manchester for them."
This was not just a personal mission for Paalan and Neetu but a cultural one. Chutneys are often exclusively associated with poppadoms and Indian cuisine. Mama Sood’s aims to demonstrate the versatility of chutneys, and their ability to elevate any dish.
Neetu, 59, said: "Passing on my heritage is very important and food is a part of that, I observed my grandma cooking and now my children pick it up from me. They will put their touches on the food which is okay for me as long as it carries on. I'm in my 50s now but I still miss my grandmother's food.
"My main dream has always been to build a secure and comfortable future for my kids. All ambitions in life change with time. Growing up in an Indian community where boys were prioritised and given special privileges. I was lucky to be brought up by a humble and forward-thinking family."
Her son Paalan, 28, said that if anyone deserves success it is his mum and calls her the "creative genius" behind the brand. Mama Sood's is currently looking for their first retail agent but the feedback has already been great according to Paalan.
He said: "It can be challenging working together she tells me off in front of staff but what can I say, she is my mum. But she is the creative in the kitchen and most of the time it is fun.
"This is something I have always wanted to do for my mum and she deserves so much success. This is the least I can do."
Mama Sood's starting range- which is available now- comes in four flavours including: Date and Tamarind, Apple, Tomato and Pineapple, and Chilli.
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