Asafoetida

Ferula asafoetida. A sticky substance or powder made from the resin of giant fennel, which is no relative of the fennel we know. This foul-smelling spice is used in Indian dishes, often with beans, as a anti-flatulent, and by Brahmans, whose religion forbids them to use onions and garlic, as there are believed to inflame sexual passion. Only the smallest amount is necessary and rather than adding it to the food itself, the resin is often shaped into a little ball and stuck to the lid of the cooking pot. The powder is added straight to the food. When cooking, this spice smells very pleasant, rather like onion and mild garlic.