Asafoetida...

Quote from: devonbarmygardener on November 21, 2014, 08:57

Asafoetida is the stinkiest spice I've ever come across 

I use star anise a lot. It's supposed to be the active ingredient in 'Tamiflu' so I use it plenty in the winter

Ooooh, I didn't know that!  I've got some, but never know what to do with it! 

It gives a lovely floral flavour to winter soups and stews - I love it

It is supposed to be a little similar to garlic and onions in flavour, so its probably just as addictive as garlic   

You can tell the difference if you leave it out, but I know what you mean about it being enigmatic.  It is hard to say exactly what it adds 

Asafoetida baby...