Asafoetida

Also referred to as ‘devils’ dung stinking gum’, this sunshine-yellow spice is the dried gum or resin from the sap of the roots of a plant in the fennel family. The ‘stinking gum’ name refers to its pungent smell, which dissipates completely when it is cooked in a little oil. It then takes on an onion-garlic aroma and is often used as a substitute for onions and garlic by Jains and some Brahmins who generally avoid eating these ingredients. For the former, this is because they come from the soil and the whole plant is killed in order to consume them, and the latter believe that onion and garlic release our inner passions. Asafoetida is sold in powdered or granular form; I always opt for the powdered variety. You only ever need to add a pinch to a dish, never more than quarter of a teaspoon. Less is more with this spice.