Lentils (or dal) are a staple in every South Asian kitchen – comforting, nourishing, and packed with plant-based protein. From a simple bowl of dal-chawal to rich festive curries, lentils form the heart of many traditional dishes.
At IndoKiwi Grocers, we bring you the finest selection of lentils to make everyday cooking healthier and more flavorful. Let’s dive into the most popular varieties and learn how to use them!
🌟 Popular Types of Lentils
🔴 Masoor Dal (Red Lentils)
- Cooks quickly and has a mild, earthy flavor.
- Perfect for soups, quick dals, and curries.
- No need for soaking – just rinse and cook!
Pro Tip: Pair with a simple tempering of ghee, cumin, garlic, and dried red chilies for a comforting weeknight meal.
🟡 Moong Dal (Yellow Lentils)
- Light, easy to digest, and rich in protein.
- Ideal for khichdi, dals, and even desserts like moong dal halwa.
- Can be cooked as split or whole (sabut moong).
Pro Tip: For a healthy twist, sprout whole moong and use in salads or stir-fries.
🟠 Toor Dal (Pigeon Pea / Arhar Dal)
- Nutty flavor, widely used in Indian households.
- Key ingredient in sambar and Gujarati dal.
- Soaking for 30 minutes reduces cooking time.
Pro Tip: Add tamarind or kokum for a tangy taste in sambar.
⚫ Urad Dal (Black Gram)
- Essential for South Indian favorites like idli, dosa, and vada.
- Also used in creamy Punjabi dals (Dal Makhani).
- Whole urad takes longer to cook – soak overnight for best results.
Pro Tip: Mix with rice to ferment batter for soft idlis and crispy dosas.
🟤 Chana Dal (Split Bengal Gram)
- Slightly sweet and nutty flavor.
- Perfect for curries, halwa, and snacks like dhokla.
- Needs soaking for at least an hour before cooking.
Pro Tip: Roast chana dal lightly before grinding into flour (besan) for enhanced flavor.
🍲 Tips for Cooking Lentils
✅ Soaking: Speeds up cooking and makes digestion easier (except for masoor dal).
✅ Seasoning: Always add salt after the lentils are partially cooked – adding too early can toughen the skin.
✅ Tadka/Tempering: Elevates any dal – ghee/oil, cumin, mustard seeds, garlic, curry leaves, and chilies bring lentils to life.
✅ Texture Control: Mash lightly for creamy dals, or keep whole for a more rustic feel.
🌿 Why Lentils Deserve a Place in Your Pantry
- 🥗 High in protein & fiber – perfect for vegetarians.
- 💖 Heart-healthy and weight-friendly.
- 🌍 Versatile – from soups and curries to snacks and sweets.
At IndoKiwi Grocers, you’ll find Masoor, Moong, Toor, Urad, Chana Dal and many more varieties – all packed fresh for your kitchen.
👉 Shop online now at indokiwigrocery.store and bring home the taste of tradition.
✨ Final Word
Whether you’re a busy student, a home cook, or someone exploring healthy eating, lentils are your best friend in the kitchen. Start experimenting with different types, and you’ll never run out of delicious, wholesome meals!