Mums put healthier eating on the menu

The Women’s CHAI Project, led by Najma Khalid (front) have helped develop “Chapatti and Chat”, a cookbook of family favourite recipes with a healthy twist

HEALTHY food doesn’t have to lack flavour say women who have created a cookbook of popular South Asian dishes.

“Chapatti and Chat”, features healthy recipes developed by the council’s arts development and public health teams with the Women’s CHAI Project. The aim is to raise awareness of diabetes in South Asian communities.

Women of Pakistani ethnicity are five times more likely to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, while Bangladeshi women are three times more likely to have the condition.

Working with chef Anna Kennedy, the CHAI ladies used alternative ingredients and new cooking methods to tweak traditional recipes. The result is a collection of 14 dishes that lose none of the flavour.

Najma Khalid, founder of the CHAI Project, said: “I can’t explain how amazing the process has been. We’ve not only learned about diabetes but we’ve learned about ourselves too. We’ve developed so many skills and so much confidence.”

The Women’s CHAI Project — formerly known as the Women’s CHAI Morning Group — is made up of mothers whose children attend Greenhill Academy in Glodwick. The cookbook was launched at Gallery Oldham on International Women’s Day, where visitors were able to sample the healthier dishes for themselves.

Chapatti and Chat will be distributed by the CHAI ladies to families in their local areas, as well as being available on the Oldham Council website in the next few months.