Where can I find asafoetida / hing powder in London and is there a substitute?
There is no substitute. You can find it at most Indian food stores.
if you are talking about the raw resin, I've never seen it, but the stuff Mamta is talking about (I'm guessing) is called compounded hing, as it is 'cut' (like drugs!) with bulking agent. Its much easier to use this way, as the raw stuff is very very very smelly!, and with the compounded stuff a little bit more or less will make little difference.
Its sold in a bright yellow tub with a blue label, about 2 inches in diameter by 2-3 inches high. Made by Vandevi.
Its cut with rice and wheat flour, gum arabic and turmeric.
Even English supermarkets will sell it where there is a larger range of 'Schwartz' spices.
The ingredients listed in their Asafoetida are "Asafoetida powder, rice flour, anti-caking agent (Gum Arabic) Turmeric.
Winton
When I go to India, I often bring back lumps of asafoetida resin. To break the lumps up into usable powder form, I dry-roast the lumps on a 'tava' or griddle with a little flour and then press them with a ladle. They just fall aprt.
The Natco brand which I have have listed ingredients of --
Asafoetida, gum arabic, ground rice and turmeric. Thought the ratio is not given.
hello polopski,
am not sure where abouts u based in london.....but hing powder is available in most of the desi stores..its also available in ASDA.....
u can find it any where in wembly, harrow, southall, tooting or may be est london.....any indian off licence shop or stores such as quality foods or v.b and sons... etc....
hope that helps...
cheers,