Asafetida or Asafoetida

A yellowish-brown hardened root extract from India, asafetida has a peculiar and rather off-putting smell, but imparts an intriguing flavour when used in small amounts. It is available either in lump form or as a powder. The former is superior and keeps for a long time in a jar without losing its strong flavour. Powder the pieces in a coffee grinder or smash them with the flat of a heavy knife.