Often known as the “devil’s dung” for its pungent aroma, asafoetida is a unique spice that has quietly transformed dishes across the world, especially in Indian cooking. Despite its strong initial scent, this resinous spice mellows beautifully when cooked, bringing a subtle, savoury depth and umami richness to lentils, curries, and even continental recipes. In this edition of “The Wonderful World of Spices”, we’ll explore the fascinating history, culinary uses, and health be