Toor, Urad, and Chana are three popular types of pulses that are an essential part of Indian cuisine. Pulses are known for their protein and fibre content and are widely used in everyday meals across India. Toor, Urad, and Chana each have a distinct taste, texture, and culinary use, making them versatile ingredients for preparing dals, curries, snacks, batters, and other traditional dishes.

You can also explore related pulse varieties such as Moong Dal, Masoor Dal, Rajma, and Kabuli Chana to add more variety, taste, texture, and nutrition to your everyday meals.

Types

Toor Dal (Pigeon Pea)

Toor dal, also known as pigeon pea, is a staple ingredient in Indian households. It is yellow in colour and is commonly used to prepare dals, soups, stews, sambhar, and curries. Toor dal is available in different forms and is known for its mild flavour and soft texture after cooking. It blends well with spices, vegetables, and herbs, making it suitable for a variety of everyday recipes.

Urad Dal (Black Gram)

Urad dal, also known as black gram, is available in whole black and split, skinned white varieties. Whole urad dal is commonly used in dishes such as dal makhani, while split urad dal is widely used for preparing dosa, idli, vada, and other South Indian dishes. It develops a thick and creamy texture when cooked and is also commonly used in tempering, chutneys, and snacks.

Chana Dal (Split Bengal Gram)

Chana dal is made by splitting whole chickpeas, also known as Bengal gram. It is small, yellow, and has a mildly sweet flavour. Chana dal is commonly used in curries, soups, snacks, and traditional Indian recipes. It can also be roasted or ground into flour and used in a variety of sweets, savoury snacks, batters, and other preparations.

Nutritional Values

Toor Dal Nutritional Profile

Toor dal is a popular source of plant-based protein and dietary fibre. It also contains nutrients such as iron and calcium, making it a useful ingredient for balanced everyday meals.

Urad Dal Nutritional Profile

Urad dal is rich in plant-based protein and dietary fibre and contains minerals such as iron and calcium. It is widely included in traditional Indian diets and is particularly popular for preparing dals and fermented batters.

Chana Dal Nutritional Profile

Chana dal provides protein, dietary fibre, carbohydrates, and several essential nutrients. Its satisfying texture and versatility make it a popular ingredient for everyday Indian cooking.

Uses

Toor Dal in Cooking

Toor dal is widely used in Indian cooking and forms the base of popular recipes such as dal tadka and sambhar. It can also be combined with vegetables, rice, and spices to prepare dishes such as khichdi. Its mild flavour makes it suitable for everyday meals.

Urad Dal in Cooking

Urad dal is used in both North Indian and South Indian cuisine. Whole urad dal is commonly used to prepare dal makhani, while split urad dal is used for dosa, idli, vada, and other recipes. It can also be used in tempering, chutneys, and snacks.

Chana Dal in Cooking

Chana dal can be used in curries, soups, stews, snacks, and traditional Indian dishes. It can be roasted and used in chutneys and spice mixes, while ground chana dal or besan is commonly used for preparing pakoras, laddoos, and other sweet and savoury recipes.

Benefits

High in Protein

Toor, Urad, and Chana are sources of plant-based protein and can be included in vegetarian and vegan meals as part of a balanced diet.

Good Source of Fibre

These pulses contain dietary fibre, which makes them a useful addition to everyday meals and can contribute to a balanced and varied diet.

Versatile Everyday Ingredients

Toor, Urad, and Chana can be used in a wide range of Indian recipes, from dals and curries to snacks, batters, and traditional dishes.

Rich in Essential Nutrients

Pulses can provide nutrients such as iron, calcium, and other minerals along with protein and fibre, depending on the variety and serving size.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it necessary to soak pulses like Toor, Urad, and Chana before cooking?

Soaking requirements can vary depending on the type and form of pulse. Soaking can help reduce cooking time and may make some pulses easier to cook and digest.

2. What are the differences between Toor, Urad, and Chana dal?

Toor dal is a yellow split pigeon pea commonly used for dals and sambhar. Urad dal is available in whole black and split white forms and is widely used in dishes such as dal makhani, dosa, idli, and vada. Chana dal is made from split chickpeas and is commonly used in curries, snacks, and other Indian recipes.

3. Are Toor, Urad, and Chana dal gluten-free?

Toor, Urad, and Chana are naturally gluten-free pulses. However, when purchasing packaged products, it is advisable to check the product label and ingredient information for details about processing and possible cross-contamination.

4. Can pulses like Toor, Urad, and Chana be included in a healthy diet?

Yes, pulses can be included as part of a balanced diet. They provide nutrients such as protein and dietary fibre and can be combined with vegetables, grains, and other foods to create varied meals.

5. How should cooked dal be stored?

Cooked dal should be stored in a clean, airtight container in the refrigerator and consumed within a suitable period. Always check its appearance, smell, and freshness before consumption.

Buy Toor, Urad & Chana Online in Kanpur

Looking to buy Toor, Urad & Chana online in Kanpur? Explore W2R Mart for a convenient way to shop for everyday pulses and grocery essentials from home.

You can explore available Toor Dal, Urad Dal, Chana Dal, and related pulse varieties on W2R Mart Kanpur. Check the available brands, pack sizes, product details, and prices before ordering.

Shop Toor, Urad & Chana online with W2R Mart Kanpur and choose the products that suit your everyday cooking needs.

Toor, Urad & Chana Price List

1. Tata Sampann Unpolished Chana Dal
2. Basic Arhar/ Toor Dal
3. Tata Sampann Unpolished Toor Dal/Arhar Dal
4. Tata Sampann Unpolished Toor Dal
5. Whole Farm Premium Kala Chana/Brown Chana
6. Fortune Unpolished Arhar Dal/Toor Dal
7. Rajdhani Roasted Bhuna Chana
8. Whole Farm Grocery Kala Chana
9. Tata Sampann Unpolished Kala Chana (Black, Brown)
10. Whole Farm Premium Chana Dal Unpolished

Check W2R Mart Kanpur for available Toor, Urad & Chana products and the latest prices before ordering. Prices may vary depending on the brand, pack size, product variant, and availability.