asafetida

noun

asa·​fet·​i·​da ˌa-sə-ˈfe-tə-də  -ˈfē- 

Southern also

-ˈfi-tə-dē 

variants or asafoetida

: the dried fetid gum resin of the root of several west Asian plants (genus Ferula) of the carrot family used as a flavoring especially in Indian cooking and formerly used in medicine especially as an antispasmodic and in folk medicine as a general prophylactic against disease

Examples of asafetida in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

When they are done sputtering, add the asafetida, the remaining ¼ teaspoon turmeric, and the onion, ginger and chile. —Joanne Kempinger Demski, Journal Sentinel, 25 Jan. 2023

Decrease the heat to low and stir in the cayenne, turmeric, cumin, coriander and asafetida until combined. —Washington Post, 4 Jan. 2022

This one was burnt orange in color and made with red chiles, black lentils, curry leaves, mustard seeds, and asafetida. —Priya Krishna, Bon Appétit, 18 Mar. 2020

This can be a combination of fried asafetida and cumin (in the north), curry leaves and coconut (in the south), or even just boatloads of cream (in Punjab). —Saveur, 27 Oct. 2016

This slightly spicy amalgam of tomatoes, garlic, salt, black mustard seeds, fenugreek seeds, turmeric, asafetida, tamarind, sesame oil, and sugar is exactly what my salmon needs. —Carey Polis, Bon Appétit, 11 Oct. 2019

Stir in the asafetida (if using) and then add the chiles. —CBS News, 15 June 2019

Chaat masala is an otherworldly spice mixture in Indian cuisine often consisting of amchoor (dry mango powder), cumin, coriander, black salt (also known as kala namak), asafetida (sort of like Indian MSG), and chili powder. —Priya Krishna, Bon Appetit, 7 May 2018

Add curry leaves, chiles, and asafetida (if using) and cook, stirring occasionally, until curry leaves are slightly darkened, about 45 seconds. —Bon Appetit, 19 June 2017

Word History

Etymology

Middle English asafetida, from Medieval Latin asafoetida, from Persian azā mastic + Latin foetida, feminine of foetidus fetid

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

asafetida

noun

asa·​fet·​i·​da

variants or asafoetida

ˌas-ə-ˈfet-əd-ə 

: a hard gum that has an unpleasant smell, comes from several Asian plants related to the carrot, is used in Indian cooking, and was once thought to prevent disease

Medical Definition

asafetida

noun

asa·​fet·​i·​da

variants or asafoetida

ˌas-ə-ˈfit-əd-ē  -ˈfet-əd-ə 

: the fetid gum resin of the root of an Asian plant (Ferula assa-foetida) of the carrot family (Umbelliferae) that is used as an herbal remedy (as in the treatment of asthma, whooping cough, and flatulence)