What is asafoetida?

by Cookthink

Devil's dung ring a bell? Stinking gum? Merde du Diable? These are just a few of the unkind nicknames for this fetid-smelling spice, made from the resin-like sap of a fennel-like plant grown in India and Iran and used in small quantities (in lump or powdered form) in Indian pickles and vegetarian dishes such as curries. Asafoetida mellows when fried in ghee, taking on the smell of fried onions and garlic. It is also believed to help children's colds, bronchitis and asthma and its scent is apparently attractive to the wolf.