Asafoetida
...or Devil's Dung as it's sometimes called
Most commonly available as a powder, asafoetida is made from resin extracted from the stem and roots of species of the giant fennel family.
In its powdered form it is a strongly flavoured 'spice' with a flavour / odour best described as garlic mixed with dung. This second element to the flavour thankfully disappears during cooking, but has led to it being known as Devil's Dung from the German Teufelsdreck.
Sparingly used, it can be added to curries and stews, and goes well with meat, fish, and vegetables. It is most widely used in India and the Middle East.
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