Asafoetida is known as Hing in India. Its flavor and aroma can be distinguished from other Indian spices. It can be said that Hing makes Indian cuisine distinct from other cuisines.
In Western culture, Hing is commonly known as asafoetida. It originates from the resin of the Ferula foetida, and has been an integral part of Middle Eastern, Pakistani, and Indian cooking, especially in Punjabi cuisine, for thousands of years.
In the following part, we are going to share a quick guide about Hing. Let’s learn how to use Hing in Western or Indian cuisine.
Hing: What Does Taste Like?
Hing is the most powerful spice. Hing is a savory seasoning that shares similarities with onions or leeks. It features a slightly floral note and a potent aroma that becomes captivating when used in meal preparation.
How To Use Hing In Cooking
As surprising as it may sound, Hing spice finds its way into various popular Indian spice blends that you might already be familiar with, such as Chat Masala, Sambar Powder, and some curry powder recipes.
When using hing in cooking, it is suggested to cook it thoroughly because it is not the type of spice that you can sprinkle on top of food.
The true transformation of asafoetida's flavor occurs when it is cooked, changing from a strong pungency to a delightful aromatic essence. So, the best way to use Hing is during the process of cooking. Or, you can add it in the first step before adding other ingredients to the oil.
Interestingly, adding asafoetida to curries or other Indian dishes tends to infuse them with a distinct "Indian" taste.
Nonetheless, the use of Hing in cooking is not limited solely to Indian dishes; it can be added to various types of cuisine to enhance the flavors of different dishes. Here are some ideas:
Incorporate half a teaspoon of Hing spice into a warm oil, along with other spices, to infuse an enticing aroma into your stir-fry before adding vegetables. This method is called tempering. Try this recipe for a delightful and quick 15-minute green bean dish with coconut.
Another way to use asafoetida is during the cooking process when making a base curry sauce. Simply include it with other ingredients to enhance the flavor.
To make flavorful sauces, soak a teaspoon of whole or powdered asafoetida in water and add it to various liquids like water, tamarind pulp, tomato juice, or soya sauce.
For lentils, legumes, vegetable soups, stews, and casseroles, you can use Hing to elevate the taste. Create a delightful spice rub by combining Hing with black pepper, cumin powder, and cayenne pepper.
To make pickling, use Hing along with mustard seeds or black seeds as a unique and tangy spice addition.
Hing: How To Use Hing In Western Cuisine
After becoming proficient in tempering Hing, you have the freedom to incorporate it into various dishes of your choice. JK Hing powder pairs exceptionally well with dishes that highlight the flavor of onions, like French onion soup or potato leek. It can work wonders in enhancing a delicious béchamel or an exceptionally delightful hollandaise sauce, making it a valuable secret ingredient.
Best Pair With Hing
The hing powder is commonly used in vegetarian food. Let’s see what food and spices can be paired with Hing powder.
Best Food: Ginger, cauliflower, lentils, chicken, eggplant, cabbage, lamb, beans peas, rice, potatoes, orange, green leafy vegetables, and red vegetables.
Best Spice: Cumin seeds, mustard seeds, black seeds/nigella seeds, bay leaves, cloves, cardamom, coriander seeds, cinnamon, turmeric, and dry chilies.
How Much Hings Can You Add To Cooking?
If you're new to using asafoetida in your cooking, knowing when and how much to add is essential. Asafoetida is an Indian spice that should be used sparingly, as even a small amount imparts a strong taste. For a serving size of 4-6 people, it's advisable to use just a pinch or half a teaspoon of asafoetida.
Remember, using too much asafoetida can overpower the dish, so it's best to start with a small quantity and adjust according to your taste preferences.
Final Words: Is Hing Good For Your Health?
If you have an allergy to onions or find the potent aroma of garlic unpleasant, the Indian Hing spice can serve as an excellent substitute. Additionally, Asafoetida offers numerous health benefits and has been utilized in Ayurvedic medicine, particularly for addressing digestive issues.
If you are looking for the best quality Hing online, visit JK Cart and scroll through Indian spices online.
