Different Names of Dals Known in INDIA (2024)

FAQs

Which is the most eaten dal in India? ›

Although chana dal is the largest produced and consumed dal in the country, tur dal is used more widely for eating with rice and used in south Indian preparations such as sambar and rasam.

Dal Makhani is the king of dal, which might make it the king of all foods. [Update: I also now add 3/4 cup of red kidney beans, soaked overnight.]

One of the most nutrient-dense pulses known to us is urad dal, or black lentil. Urad dal, being low in fat and calories, aids in better digestion. It is considered to strengthen our nervous system, increase energy levels, improve heart health, and strengthen our bones because it is high in protein and vitamin B3.

In Hindi, the word 'Sabut' is used for lentils which are whole. The word 'Dal' or 'Dahl' is used for split lentils. The word 'Dhuli' is used for split and husked/skinned lentils.

In Indian cuisine, arhar/toor dal (split pigeon peas) and chana dal (split yellow gram, desi chickpeas) are commonly also referred to as peas, although from other legume species than Pisum sativum.

Moong Dal is also known as Green Gram Beans when whole, Split Green Gram when split with the skin on and as Split and Skinned Green Gram when de-skinned (yellow). The Moong Dal is native to India and is the most commonly used dal.

Bengal Gram (Desi Chick Pea / Desi Chana), Pigeon Peas (Arhar / Toor / Red Gram), Green Beans (Moong Beans), Chick Peas (Kabuli Chana), Black Matpe (Urad / Mah / Black Gram), Red Kidney Beans (Rajma), Black Eyed Peas (Lobiya), Lentils (Masoor), White Peas (Matar) are major pulses grown and consumed in India.

Black Gram, also known as "Urad Dal," are pulses that, although commonly called lentils, are actually related to cowpeas and mung beans.

Basically, you need dal (lentil) to make dal (lentil soup). While you can make a dal out of any pulse, typically, the word “dal” only shows up in the name of a pulse if it is a split lentil. For example, chana dal = split chickpeas, whereas if I am referring to whole chickpeas, I would say chana or chole.

Yes, Urad dal is good to manage the symptoms of osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis involves degeneration of the cartilage.

Which dal tastes best? ›

Popularly known as Arhar Dal, Toor Dal is the most delicious dal that can be made on a regular basis. It is mainly used for making dishes like Sambhar, Gujarati Dal and the famous Tadke Wali Dal. This dal is rich in iron, folic and magnesium and can be used to make South Indian sweet dish Obbattu as well.

Green Gram Dal/Moong Dal

It is one of the easily digestible pulses of all dals that can be included in any therapeutic diet plan. Lowers cholesterol levels and reduces the risk of heart disease.

Lentils (dal) vary in their protein content, but some of the dals that are relatively high in protein include black gram (urad dal), chickpeas (chana dal), and green gram (moong dal). Among these, black gram typically has one of the highest protein contents, with around 25 grams of protein per 100 grams of cooked dal.

Toor dal is also called pigeon peas and belongs to the family of legumes. It is rich in proteins and fibres. Toor dal is dried and split peas (seeds) of pigeon peas plant.

Moong dal is particularly rich in dietary fibre. A single cup serving can provide between 40.5 and 71 per cent of the recommended daily intake of the nutrient. This dietary fibre content helps reduce blood cholesterol levels and prevents nutritional complications.

In the USA, dal is commonly referred to as "lentils." Lentils are a type of legume, and dal is a dish made from cooked and spiced lentils, which is a staple in Indian cuisine. So, when people in the USA talk about dal, they are usually referring to dishes made from lentils.