Kamal Selmassi was born and brought up in Iraq. In 1962 at the age of twenty he came to Cardiff University to study medicine and sociology. There he met his wife Jenny, and they now live in her home town, Bridgend.

Kamal talks about Iraqi gatherings and food:
(Need help with RealPlayer?)

I am reluctant to eat out in Britain as the quality of food varies so much. Also, I think restaurants charge too much for what you get. I prefer eating in pubs. The quality is more consistent and pubs are better value.

How important is food in your life?

Food is extremely important to me. It goes back to my childhood. In Iraq, food is an essential part of family and social activity. A long time is spent preparing food. Even cleaning rice can take a long time, as it is done in bulk.

Food was also an important part of ritual. I have wonderful memories of Ramadan. We used to fast during the day, but when the sun went down, we would all eat together. It was a social affair. The doors were open, and food would be taken to the poor. In those days we used to join in Jewish and Christian celebrations. I remember visiting our Christian friends at Christmas time, and taking them food.

Nowadays, I enjoy cooking to relax and pass time. I play music, sometimes Arabic, sometimes classical, pour myself a glass of wine and cook.

I also enjoy growing food. I grow my own garlic, and I have fig trees in the garden to remind me of home. They haven't produced any ripe figs yet, but I live in hope.

How has living in Wales influenced your cooking?

Indian cuisine in Britain has had a big influence on my cooking. Iraqi food is subtle in flavour. We use a lot of lemon, and Mediterranean herbs such as mint, dill, parsley, and coriander. Chilli and hot spices are rarely used. Since coming to Britain, my cooking has become more spicy. An interesting fact I found out is that curry is an old English word meaning "to cook".

What recipe do you most enjoy cooking?

Chicken casserole Iraqi style. I cook the chicken with peppers, tomatoes, mushrooms, onions, garlic, spices and serve it with basmati rice. I enjoy cooking this as it comes naturally to me. I used to watch my father cook like this when I was younger.

Where do you go to shop for specialist ingredients?

There is nowhere to shop in Bridgend for specialist ingredients. I go to Cardiff once every week or so to buy okra (ladies fingers), herbs, chillis, spices, lemon juice, garlic and tins of baby broad beans which are an Iraqi speciality. There is an Asian foodstore near Backpackers in Riverside which I always visit. I enjoy going to the same place and building up a relationship with the manager. I think you get better service by shopping this way.

Is food an important part of festivals and Iraqi community gatherings in Wales?

There is a substantial Iraqi community in Swansea and Cardiff. Prior to the Gulf War there were many gatherings. We would get together to celebrate Christmas, New Years Eve, Ramadan and Easter. Both men and women would cook. We would hire a hall, and there would be plenty of music, dance and talks on different subjects. People from all backgrounds used to come along to these celebrations, not only Iraqi people. We always had our doors open to everyone.

Since the Gulf War, Iraqis have become subdued. It's not the same as it used to be. We've had the stuffing knocked out of us. People also mistrust each other now. Prior to the Gulf War people were fairly open about their position politically. Now everyone is looking over their shoulders. I would like to start the gatherings again in Wales, but I don't think it can ever be the same again.

Your comments

Peter Alexander - London
Hi Kamal - I am very interested in Iraqi food. Few years back I was invited with some friends for dinner at the home of an Iraqi friend. He presented a variety of lovely dishes and one in particular I remember he called Maqlubat Bathinjan - not sure about the spelling - consisted of Rice, Lamb and Aubergine. I would be grateful if you could advise the recipe for this dish - of course if this is part of an Iraqi cuisine.

Sai Nair - London
Hi Kamal, I have an Iraqi friend who brings the most gorgeous food to work, cooked by his mother. I followed his recipe and cooked a tepsi with aubergines which turned out fab. I wish to cook a meat casserole with lamb and runner beans. Do you have a recipe?

Paul Burston, London
I've known Kamal since I was a small boy (many years ago now) and I can certainly vouch for both his cooking and his attitude to life. Next time I'm visiting my family in Bridgend I'll be popping round to try his latest recipe.

Waiel Hilmi, Bolton
I enjoyed reading your column and found your views interesting. As an Iraqi who enjoys cooking and learning more recipes I would be greatful to pick up some tips for some recipes from yourself. I also would like to take my wife to visit Wales and would appreciate any info on places to visit.

Nawar al-Ansari
There are some Iraqi recipes I would like to reproduce, but all I can remember is the taste. So I know it has something to do with the spices and herbs and the way the pastry is made, for instance klaicha, a dessert made with dates. If he would be kind enough to help me I would be ever so grateful. Shookren, Nawar.

Kamal Selmassi, Bridgend
To all those kind people who responded to my column: I say, a big thank you. I am a very emotional person. My eyes filled as a result of the remarks sent by you. To Peter Tucker from Canada: a big hello/salaam/shalom (Hebrew and Arabic have a lot in common). If you come to UK, please come to see us - we will eat and drink. As a good Muslim I don't touch alcohol - I just drink it!! To the chaps/friends from the sauna. Hope to see you soon. Jyoti Sen. I know one Jyoti, from Brackla (CND days?): how are you? I will do some vegetarian, soon. To Ahmed and Mohammed, it's nice to hear from you. Happy xmas to you all.

Bex - Bridgend
I think this is a very touching story. Come on Bridgend, there must be something more we can read about. Lets sort out some problems. Why are certain things happening, and what can we do to help, collectively...

Paul Williams from Bryncethin
I also have recollections of speaking with Kamal at Ynysawdre swimming pool ,he is a very friendly person with a wonderful attitude to life, I must try some of his recipies ,they sound delicious, finally Kamal you are a wonderful ambassador for multi cultural society.

Dave from Maesteg
Schlernik, ( excuse the spelling Kamal) I remember many interesting conversations with you in the sauna at Ynysawdre swimming pool. Alhum D`allah, again excuse the spelling.

Jyoti Sen from Bridgend
I wish Kamal the very best in his quest. Does he know of any vegetarian recipes from Iraq?[Since we are not all carnivores].

Peter Tucker from Ontario, Canada
I wish I could share a meal with him. Distance is a little barrier, but it certainly sounds as though we could agree on many things. Tolerance and understanding builds bridges, while intolerance and hatred are destined to destroy us all. Salaam.

Mohamed Al-Rubeai from Dublin
I have grown very fond of Okra - it has a taste and fragrance that really isn't like anything else. I need to find a local source of it, but in the shorter term I think may be I will ask for dry Okra to be sent to me from Baghdad. The slow cooking of the meat in the Okra stew makes for exquisite taste and texture, the seasoning of onion, garlic and the lemon and mild spices developing into complex layers of irresistible heat and flavour that have you hooked from the first bite. This explained seeing Iraqis gleefully sucking meat off bones with zero compunction. Also delicious is the Basmati rice cooked in an infusion of almonds, saffron and sultanas, substantial enough to be a meal in itself. My wish is to have the chance once again to share a meal with Kamal.

Ahmed Mubarak - Birmingham
Like Kamal I enjoy cooking. I have started different way of cooking Bamia - Iraqi women do not believe that you can cook bamia in the oven. Kamal would find bamia cooked in an oven much more delicious and tasty than the way his mum and mine cooked before. I suppose at that time there was no oven.

Marc from Coytrehen
I ate fresh figs in the morning for breakfast from my own plant - beautiful. They are grown in a walled garden on the south facing side. No other protection

Liz and family, Barry
You have a great taste for food and life Kamal! All the best for the future - hey, Easter's coming up, so do get that gathering of friends together!!

Thanks for all your comments - we're no longer updating this page.