noun
- Plural of asafoetida; a strong-smelling resinous gum obtained from the roots of certain plants, used as a spice and in traditional medicine.
Usage: Also spelled asafetidas or asa foetidas; Commonly used in Indian and Middle Eastern cooking; Has a pungent, sulfurous odor when raw
Examples
- The recipe called for a pinch of asafoetidas to enhance the flavor of the lentil dish.
- Asafoetidas are often sold in powdered form at spice markets.
- Traditional Ayurvedic medicine incorporates asafoetidas for digestive purposes.
- The chef added asafoetidas to the curry, which gave it a distinctive umami quality.
- Many Indian households keep asafoetidas in their spice cabinet for everyday cooking.