What can I substitute for hing?
Posted by yabbitgirl on Jan 02, 2011 · Member since Apr 2006 · 14266 posts
I want to make lemon pickle http://vegweb.com/index.php?topic=8937.msg445687#msg445687 but don't have access to hing (aka asafetida.) Is it essential? Can I leave it out? And if not, what can I substitute?
Good question. It's such a unique taste that would be hard to substitute. I would think is essential, but you could try it without if you can't get a good answer to your question....of which I'm no help. LOL
I was under the impression that hing/asafoetida is often used by Hindu Jains, who don't eat onion or garlic, because the hing has a similar pungent flavor (personally I don't like it that much). So I would substitute some garlic and/or onion powder.
Sauteed leeks.
Someone on another site suggested fenugreek seed. That, I've got, but I also think it's in the recipe so...hmm.
Hmm...I don't think fenugreek tastes anything like hing. Looking at the recipe, I would either sub garlic powder/onion powder (fresh garlic and lemon can be a bit weird together...the garlic turns blue), or just leave it out. It'll taste different without it, but probably not bad.
Most of what the net says via Google is to substitue garlic and/or onion. Maybe a little powder of both.
I agree, fenugreek isn't a good sub.
Hmm...I don't think fenugreek tastes anything like hing. Looking at the recipe, I would either sub garlic powder/onion powder (fresh garlic and lemon can be a bit weird together...the garlic turns blue), or just leave it out. It'll taste different without it, but probably not bad.
OH! Is THAT why the garlic turned blue when I made lemon olive oil and decided to add some garlic!! I did wonder! Certain dried chillis will do that too.
I might try both ways...cook with garlic on the stovetop, and use the powder if I do the solar one. I think I'd probably have to sterilise the jar to do the solar one...but don't know if the jars I have access to will stand up to sterilisation. Unless I can use the liquid baby-bottle-sterilising solution.
My garlic turns green when I put it through my garlic press. Is that related to it turning blue with lemon?
My garlic turns green when I put it through my garlic press. Is that related to it turning blue with lemon?
If your garlic is kind of old, the centre may be green like a green onion. So if you smoosh it through your garlic press you'd see it.But if you mean pale green...hm. Could be if your garlic press is a Zyliss and has lost its finish...I think they're aluminium.
Oh, it must be because it lost its finish. it is definitely old... it used to be my mom's but she had 2 so she gave one to me. At least I don't think it changes the taste!
hing is very bitter. Go with some grated onion and maybe a touch of garlic.