Black Lentils

whole—sabud urad

split—urad dal

Also known as “black gram,” these are very similar in shape and size to the green lentils called mung beans (the Latin word for “lentil” is lens, the shape of all the various lentils). This pulse is a very important one, especially among Hindus because of its inclusion in many religious rites. At the Indian grocery store, don’t be surprised (or confused) to see these lentils in four different versions: black lentils left whole (sabud urad), whole with skin off (also sabud urad, off-white and oval-shaped in this form), skin-on and split (urad dal, cream-colored on one side, black on the other), and skinned and split (also urad dal, cream-colored on both sides). All four forms have a satiny, creamy texture when cooked.