Two comments re Digest number V99 10
The eggplant baking in the oven for the Peasant Caviar MUST be poked a few
times with a fork, knife, toothpick, whatever before you bake. Otherwise,
it can explode! My father narrowly escaped terrible burns when he once
baked an un-pricked eggplant and then poked at it to test doneness -- the
thing blew up. Luckily the superheated debris avoided him, just made an
incredible mess.
As for asafoedita, it is indeed pungent, but I have never found the smell
repugnant. It changes when cooked and is a vital part to many excellent
indian recipies. It is used in very small qualities. I suggest using an
airtight plastic container. I once found that a plastic film roll holder
worked very well!
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