Melting Pot

By: BBC Sounds
  • Summary

  • The Maillard Reaction, osmosis, emulsion... Cooking is chemistry done every day. Jay Behrouzi and Big Manny lift the lid on the science behind some of her favourite dishes.

    Across this six-part series; we visit the kitchens of British-Filipino chef Rex De Guzman's and actress Bangs Garcia. Conversations features Iranian chef Kazem Ashourzadeh to American ice hockey player Bo Hanson. And we rub shoulders with private chef Nelson Reposo as well as the Mancunian Baker behind Mr Manakeesh.

    Welcome to the culinary delights of a migrant’s Melting Pot in the UK.

    (C) BBC 2025
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Episodes
  • 6. Fish & Chips - Takeaway Bonus
    Feb 25 2025

    In this extra treat of a takeaway bonus, Jay Behrouzi and resident scientist Big Manny recap what we learnt from all five episodes whilst cooking the all important British beauty - Fish & Chips!

    We explore the surprising origins of the nation’s favourite; what to do if you’re low on oil and Jay shares a big life milestone.

    Melting Pot is a BBC Audio North production for BBC Sounds Audio Lab.

    Written and produced by Jay Behrouzi Resident scientist - Big Manny Supervising producer - Richard McIlroy Executive producers - Gill Farrington & Pete Wilson Mixing and Sound Design - AJ Traspederme Production Coordinator - Mica Nepomuceno Commissioning Editor - Khaliq Meer

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    17 mins
  • 5. Flour Power
    Feb 25 2025

    In Flour Power, we learn how to perfectly blend flour, leaveners, sugar and eggs into that all important treat!

    Jay Behrouzi visits Mr Manakeesh, an Arabic bakery in Manchester to see one of her favourite breakfast dishes come together, Zataar Manakeesh.

    Melting Pot’s resident scientist Big Manny then helps Jay to overcome her biggest kitchen fear - Baking.

    Check out Jay’s version of Zataar Manakeesh here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/zataar_manakeesh_99833

    Melting Pot is a BBC Audio North production for BBC Sounds Audio Lab.

    Written and produced by Jay Behrouzi Resident scientist - Big Manny Supervising producer - Richard McIlroy Executive producers - Gill Farrington & Pete Wilson Mixing and Sound Design - AJ Traspederme Production Coordinator - Mica Nepomuceno Commissioning Editor - Khaliq Meer

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    17 mins
  • 4. Salad, Soup & Sauce
    Feb 25 2025

    In Salad, Soup and Sauce, we learn how to blend ingredients that don’t at first want to hang out together!

    Jay Behrouzi visits Comrie in Scotland to prepare a three-course meal in under 30 minutes with Italian chef Nelson Reposo. Chef Nelson shares his recipes for a tangy balsamic dressing, a vegan chickpea and garlic soup, and his Pasta Amatriciana - made from scratch.

    Resident scientist Big Manny teaches is the chemistry of what the TV chef’s call ‘emulsion’.

    Have a go at Jay’s version of this 30-minute three-course meal:

    Balsamic Dressing - https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/jays_balsamic_dressing_81736

    Vegan Chickpea Garlic Soup - https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/vegan_chickpea_and_09878

    Pasta Amatriciana - https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/pasta_amatriciana_97929

    Melting Pot is a BBC Audio North production for BBC Sounds Audio Lab.

    Written and produced by Jay Behrouzi Resident scientist - Big Manny Supervising producer - Richard McIlroy Executive producers - Gill Farrington & Pete Wilson Mixing and Sound Design - AJ Traspederme Production Coordinator - Mica Nepomuceno Commissioning Editor - Khaliq Meer

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    20 mins

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