asafoetida

Asafoetida (Ferula assafoetida) (Persian انگدان Angedan), alternative spelling asafetida, pronounced /æsəˈfɛtɪdə/[1] (also known as devil's dung, stinking gum, asant, food of the gods, Kaayam (Malayalam), Hing (Bengali, Marathi, Gujarati, Hindi, Urdu, Nepali), Ingua (Telugu), Ingu (Kannada), Perungayam (Tamil), Hilteet (Mishnaic Hebrew), and giant fennel) is a species of Ferula native to Persia (Iran). Asafoetida has a pungent, unpleasant smell when raw, but in cooked dishes, it delivers a smooth flavor, reminiscent of leeks. This spice is used as a digestive aid, in food as a condiment and in pickles. Its odour, when uncooked, is so strong that it must be stored in airtight containers; otherwise the aroma will contaminate other spices stored nearby. However, its odour and flavor become much milder and more pleasant upon heating in oil or ghee, acquiring a taste and aroma reminiscent of sautéed onion and garlic. (source: Wikipedia)