Pulses Or Lentils

Lentils, popularly known as dals, are perhaps the cheapest, the commonest and the most popular of Indian foods. They are relished by the rich and the poor alike and are almost an integral part of every Indian meal, formal or informal. Their wide appeal in spite of the arduous method of preparation (some of them take as long as six hours of slow cooking) demonstrates the fact that that they must be delicious, and that is exactly what they are. In fact a well-cooked maanh sabat (whole black beans), a delicacy of Punjab, is perhaps without parallel in the world. Its exquisite flavour, superb taste and beautiful colouring deserve special mention. This however is not a solitary example and nearly all the dals will prove worthy of tribute. Another popularly known item is the kabli channas (whole Bengal beans). Puri (Indian deep fried bread) and channas form a very delightful combination which is usually relished by everyone. Another popular way of serving channas is along with samosas.