Asafoetida Devil Dung Indian Spice

Asafoetida is a strong-smelling resin used as a spice in Indian cooking, known in English as “devil's dung” and in Turkish by a name that translates to “Satan's shit.” It comes from the dried latex of certain Ferula plants and has a penetrating, sulfurous odor that many people find unpleasant in its raw form. Cooks use small amounts of it in hot oil to mellow its smell and give dishes a savory, onion or garlic like flavor, especially in lentil and vegetarian recipes.

Previous Fact Next Fact