NONG Safe

Asafoetida (Hing)

Ferula assa-foetida

Spice
Ferula assa-foetida — a resin from the fennel family. Hing is the #1 NONG substitute for onion and garlic flavor.

About Asafoetida (Hing)

Asafoetida (hing) is a dried resin from the Ferula plant, prized in Jain and NONG cooking as the primary substitute for onion and garlic. A tiny pinch provides a pungent, savory aroma similar to alliums.

🍳 Cooking Tips

Hing is NONG safe and the most important spice for NONG cooking. Use a tiny pinch (1/8 tsp) in hot oil at the start of cooking. Blooming hing in oil releases its full aroma. Store in an airtight container as its smell is very strong.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hing a good substitute for onion and garlic?
Yes! Hing is the #1 recommended substitute. A tiny pinch in hot oil mimics the pungent, savory notes of onion and garlic. It's been used in Jain cooking for centuries for this purpose.
Is all hing NONG safe?
Check the label — some commercial hing brands mix the resin with wheat flour or rice flour as a carrier. The hing itself is always NONG safe, but verify the carrier doesn't contain hidden alliums.
How much hing should I use?
Very little — 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon for a dish serving 4. Hing is extremely pungent and using too much can make food bitter.