Urad Daal for Cooking, Making Lentil Dishes

Urad dal, also known as black gram, is a popular legume in Indian cuisine, prized for its rich flavor and nutritional benefits. It is available in various forms, including whole black urad (with the skin), split urad (white or yellow), and urad flour (besan). Urad dal is high in protein, fiber, and essential vitamins, making it a nutritious addition to meals.
One of the most famous dishes made from urad dal is dal makhani, which combines the lentils with kidney beans, cream, and butter, creating a rich and creamy dish that’s often served with naan or rice. Another popular preparation is idli and dosa, where split urad dal is ground into a batter, fermented, and then steamed or cooked on a griddle, resulting in fluffy rice cakes and crispy pancakes.