The Most Popular Type of Dal, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the type you think is the most popular!
Updated on May 3, 2024 06:52
In every spoonful of dal lies a tale of tradition, community, and taste that resonates across various cultures and cuisines. Whether it's a comforting bowl on a chilly evening or a hearty accompaniment to a festive meal, dal forms an essential part of daily diets. Ensuring you're trying the finest varieties becomes not just a matter of preference, but a fulfilling part of the culinary experience.
Here, each vote helps sketch a clearer picture of popular tastes, guiding newcomers and enthusiasts alike to trusted, beloved choices. By participating, users directly influence this dynamic list, reflecting the collective preference and shaping a reliable resource for discovering top-rated varieties. This active involvement guarantees that our rankings stay current and meaningful, truly dictated by the community’s palate.
What Is the Most Popular Type of Dal?
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158votes
Bionerd · CC BY 3.0Toor dal is the most popular type of dal consumed in India. It is used in a variety of dishes and is usually cooked with a blend of spices to make it more flavorful. Toor dal is also a rich source of protein and is known for its various health benefits.Toor Dal, also known as Arhar Dal or Split Pigeon Peas, is a popular type of dal commonly used in Indian cuisine. It is made from splitting the whole toor beans into two halves and removing the outer layer. Toor Dal is widely used for its rich nutty flavor and versatility in various recipes.- Color: Yellowish-brown
- Texture: Creamy, smooth, and soft when cooked
- Taste: Nutty, earthy, and slightly sweet
- Nutritional Value: High in protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals
- Cooking Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes on stovetop or 8-10 minutes in a pressure cooker
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234votesChana dal is another popular type of dal in India. It is made from split chickpeas and has a nutty flavor. It is often used in curries and stews and is a good source of protein and fiber.Chana Dal is a popular type of lentil commonly used in Indian cooking. It is made from dried split chickpeas and has a yellow color and a mild, nutty flavor. Chana Dal is known for its versatility and nutritive value, making it a staple ingredient in many Indian dishes.
- Origin: India
- Color: Yellow
- Flavor: Mild, nutty
- Texture: Creamy when cooked
- Cooking time: 30-40 minutes
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325votes
Ivar Leidus · CC BY-SA 4.0Moong dal is made from split mung beans and is commonly used in dal dishes in India. It has a mild flavor and is easy to digest. Moong dal is also a good source of protein and is often used in vegetarian and vegan diets.Moong Dal is a type of lentil commonly used in Indian cuisine. It is made from the mung bean, which is hulled and split. Moong Dal has a smooth texture and a mild, nutty flavor. It is a popular choice for various dishes and is rich in nutrients.- Color: Yellow
- Size: Small
- Texture: Smooth
- Flavor: Mild and nutty
- Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
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415votesUrad dal is made from split black gram and is commonly used in South Indian cuisine. It is often used to make dosas, idlis, and vadas. Urad dal is also a good source of protein and is known for its various health benefits.Urad Dal, also known as Black Gram Dal, is a popular type of lentil commonly used in Indian cuisine. It is made from whole or split black gram beans that have been skinned and split. Urad Dal has a rich, earthy flavor and a creamy texture when cooked. It is a staple ingredient in many Indian dishes, including soups, curries, and savory snacks.
- Color: Dark brown or black
- Size: Small and spherical
- Taste: Rich and earthy
- Texture: Creamy when cooked
- Nutritional Value: High in protein, fiber, and minerals
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516votesMasoor dal is made from split red lentils and is a popular type of dal in India. It is often used in curries and soups and has a sweet and nutty flavor. Masoor dal is also a good source of protein and is known for its various health benefits.Masoor Dal, also known as red lentils or split red lentils, is a popular type of dal in Indian cuisine. It is made from the seeds of the masoor dal plant, which are hulled and split. This dal is known for its vibrant reddish-orange color and delicate texture, making it a versatile ingredient for various dishes.
- Color: Reddish-orange
- Texture: Delicate
- Taste: Mild, earthy
- Nutrition: Rich in protein, fiber, iron, and folate
- Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
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66votes
Rajma Dal
Rajasthan, IndiaRajma dal is made from kidney beans and is a popular type of dal in Northern India. It is often used in curries and stews and is a good source of protein and fiber. Rajma dal is also known for its various health benefits.Rajma Dal is a popular, flavorful and nutritious dish made with red kidney beans. It is a staple in North Indian cuisine and is known for its rich and creamy texture.- Type: Dal
- Main Ingredient: Red kidney beans
- Cuisine: North Indian
- Flavor: Rich and creamy
- Nutritional Value: High in protein, fiber, and iron
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715votes
Alain Couty · CC BY-SA 2.5Turai dal is made from ridge gourd and is a popular type of dal in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It is often used in curries and stews and is known for its various health benefits. Turai dal is also a good source of fiber and is low in calories.Turai Dal is a traditional Indian lentil curry made with turai (ridge gourd) and lentils. It is a wholesome, nutritious, and delicious dish that is commonly prepared in Indian households. The dal is flavored with aromatic spices and can be enjoyed with rice or roti.- Region: India
- Main Ingredients: Turai (ridge gourd), lentils
- Spices Used: Turmeric, cumin, coriander, red chili powder
- Texture: Thick and creamy
- Consistency: Semi-liquid
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83votesMoth dal is made from moth beans and is a popular type of dal in the Indian state of Gujarat. It is often used in curries and stews and is a good source of protein and fiber. Moth dal is also known for its various health benefits.Moth Dal, also known as Matki Dal, is a popular type of lentil widely consumed in various regional cuisines across India. It is derived from the seeds of the moth bean, which belongs to the legume family. Moth Dal has a soft texture and a slightly nutty flavor, making it versatile for use in both soups and curries.
- Color: Yellow or light brown
- Size: Small and round
- Texture: Soft and tender
- Flavor: Nutty and earthy
- Cooking time: 40-45 minutes
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94votesKulith dal is made from horse gram and is a popular type of dal in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is often used in curries and stews and is known for its various health benefits. Kulith dal is also a good source of protein and is low in calories.Kulith Dal, also known as Horsegram Dal, is a popular type of lentil curry commonly prepared in the Western and Southern regions of India. It is made from the seeds of horse gram, a legume that is rich in nutrients and known for its distinct nutty flavor. The dal is typically cooked with a blend of spices, herbs, and sometimes coconut to create a flavorful and nutritious dish.
- Region: Western and Southern India
- Main Ingredient: Horsegram
- Flavor: Nutty
- Preparation: Cooked with spices, herbs, and sometimes coconut
- Nutritional Value: High in protein, iron, calcium, and fiber
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104votesArhar dal is made from pigeon peas and is a popular type of dal in the Indian state of Bihar. It is often used in curries and stews and is a good source of protein and fiber. Arhar dal is also known for its various health benefits.Arhar Dal, also known as Toor Dal or split pigeon pea, is a popular type of lentil widely used in Indian cuisine. It is a staple ingredient in many Indian households.
- Color: Yellow
- Taste: Nutty, earthy
- Texture: Soft when cooked
- Nutritional Value: High in protein, dietary fiber, and various vitamins and minerals
- Culinary Uses: Used to make various dal recipes, soups, stews, and side dishes
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Ranking factors for popular type
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Regional popularityDifferent regions in India are known for their unique dal preparations. For example, Chana Dal is more popular in the Northern part of India, while Toor Dal is more popular in the South.
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Nutritional valueNutritional value is an important factor to consider, as some dals may be more nutritious than others. For example, Moong Dal is known for its high protein content.
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Cooking timeSome dals take longer to cook than others, which can affect popularity. For example, Urad dal can take longer to cook than Toor dal.
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Taste and textureThe taste and texture of the dal can also be a factor in its popularity. For example, Masoor Dal has a sweeter taste while Chana Dal has a grainy texture.
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AccessibilityThe availability and accessibility of certain dals can also play a role in their popularity. For example, if a dal is only available in certain regions, it may not be as popular in other parts of the country.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular type of dal. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or type is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1474 views
- 180 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each type once every 24 hours. The rank of each type is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular type of dal
Dal, also known as lentils, is a staple food in many cultures around the world. It is a type of legume that is used to make a variety of dishes, such as soups, stews, curries, and side dishes. Dal is not only delicious, but it is also a great source of protein, fiber, and other essential nutrients. There are many different types of dal, including moong dal, chana dal, urad dal, and toor dal, each with its unique flavor and texture. In this article, we will explore the most popular type of dal based on the results of our StrawPoll survey.
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