9 Asafoetida Substitutes

Here's a term that some of you might be coming across for the first time in your life. Asafoetida is a blessing for millions of individuals out there in the world. Especially for those who can't properly digest or eat undercooked onion or who don't enjoy eating garlic.

All in all, it is a pungent spice, very often used in Asian and Middle Eastern cuisines. If you often cook in this direction, then you need to try asafoetida.

However, if you are making such dishes and find that you've run out of the real thing, you might also need to have a few of these 9 asafoetida substitutes in your kitchen.

Since it has a quite distinct flavour, it's important you read about these 9 asafoetida substitutes before you start cooking. 

why you need to know about asafoetida substitutes

Asafoetida is a very pungent spice that's commonly used in Middle Eastern, Indian and other Asian recipes. Should you come across recipes which require the addition of asafoetida, you'll need to know about these asafeotida substitutes.

I've used a pinch in my Indian beetroot curry recipe as well as in my beetroot poriyal recipe. Those who cook spicy foods will know just how pungent and powerful this spice is. If you still don't know what it is or you've never heard of it, keep reading to find out more. 

Besides, to understand which asafoetida substitutes you need to use, you need to know more about the spice itself.

what is the definition of asafoetida?

If you've never heard of this rare sounding spice, don't panic. I'd also never heard of it prior to indulging myself in the world of Indian cuisine. Indeed, it is a very handy spice to have and genuinely enhances the flavour of any dish. Asafoetida is dried gum (latex) from a variety of a fennel plant.

Beware, the aroma can be quite overwhelming for some. In fact, some people argue that the smell of asafeotida is quite offensive and resembles rotting garlic.

It also bears the name stinking gum. Despite this and some other derogatory names, this powerful spice, yellow-brownish in powdered form, adds a lovely savoury flavour.

You might also know this spice by these names:

• inguva
• hing
• kayam
• ting
• jowani badian
• devil's dung - lol!

It is native to certain desert regions of Afghanistan and Iran. However, today it is mostly found in India and is very famous for its digestive benefits, but more on that in the section below.

asafoetida types

You can find asafoetida in three forms. First, it comes as a brown powder. This type is known as the full-strength version and is extremely powerful in terms of smell. I highly advise you to use very small pinches of this version when you cook with it.

Second, you can source asafoetida as a yellow powder. This version generally involves turmeric and/or rice powder. It is much milder, so perhaps try this one first.

Lastly, sometimes you can also get it fresh. It resembles red-brownish small balls.

asafoetida benefits and uses

Asafoetida is very popular when it comes to medicinal purposes. First and foremost, its most common purpose is as a digestive aid. Apparently, it reduces flatulence. Those people who suffer indigestion from raw onion or garlic, should definitely cook with asafoetida.

It can help with the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. However, in some countries like Afghanistan, it is used for the following:

• whooping cough
• treats ulcers
• eases painful menstruation
• can treat pneumonia
• helps sooth asthma symptoms
• treats bronchitis
• it is also used as an aphrodisiac
• helps with depression and fatigue

As you can see, it has many purposes. I recommend exploring the effects of asafoetida here or consult with a specialist for more information. 

asafoetida and asafoetida powder – where to buy

You can purchase it in some specialty Indian/Asian stores. However, you might need to refer to it as 'hing'. In addition, you can easily purchase the different forms online. See below:

• asafoetida yellow powder - click right here
• nacto jars asafoetida - click right here
• asafoetida hing - click right here

asafoetida recipes

When you cook with asafoetida, you can expect a lovely savoury flavour. It is the ultimate flavour enhancer. So, it makes the perfect addition to lentil curries like this tadka daal recipe. 

You can also use this spice to pickle ingredients, like this courgette pickle for example. However, I find that it is best with potato or cauliflower dishes – those that lack that punch of umami. For example, try it with these Bombay potatoes.

So which one of these 9 top asafoetida substitutes will you use? I recommend trying out more of these asafoetida substitutes so you can see which one works best for you!

Also take a look at chives substitutes, thyme substitutes,  nigella seeds substitutes or galangal substitutes.