Red Lentils

SCIENTIFIC NAME :

 Lens Esculenta

MEDICINAL VALUE :

 Good source of nutrients

NUTRIENT VALUE :

 contains essential amino acids, proteins, dietary fiber, potassium, iron, vitamin B1, minerals etc

CULINERY AND OTHER VALUES :

 Used to make the popular indian side dish, dhal. Also used to make soups, stuffed parathas etc.

GLOSSARY :

• English : Red Lentils
• Tamil : Massor Paruppu / Mysore Paruppu
• Malayalam : Masoor Parippu
• Telugu : Misur Pappu
• Kannada : Masur Bele
• Hindi : Masoor Dal / Tur Dal
• Bengali : Lal Masoor (Bhanga) / Masur Dal
• Gujarati : Masur Dal / Masoor Ni Dhal
• Marathi : Masur Dal
• Oriya : Masura Dali (Phala)
• Kashmiri : Musur

Recipes with red lentils:

1) Tamil Nadu Tomato Dal

Red lentils, known as “मसूर” (Masoor) in Hindi, are a staple in Indian cuisine, cherished for their versatility and nutritional benefits. Lentils, or “दाल” (Dal) in Hindi, play a crucial role in the diet, providing a significant source of protein, especially in vegetarian diets. Unlike kidney beans (“राजमा” – Rajma) and black beans, red lentils cook relatively quickly and don’t require pre-soaking, making them a convenient option for wholesome meals.

In the rich tapestry of Indian pulses, which includes varieties like “चना दाल” (Chana Dal) and the larger legumes like kidney beans, red lentils stand out for their ease of cooking and mild, earthy flavor. Known scientifically as Lens culinaris, these lentils transform into a comforting dish when cooked, often prepared with a mix of aromatic spices that highlight the culinary heritage of India.

The preparation of cooked lentils in Indian cuisine is diverse, ranging from simple, spiced dal recipes to more elaborate dishes that incorporate a variety of vegetables and even meats. The beauty of मसूर दाल lies in its simplicity and the way it perfectly absorbs the flavors of spices such as turmeric (“हल्दी” – Haldi), cumin (“जीरा” – Jeera), and mustard seeds (“सरसों” – Sarson), creating a dish that is both nourishing and comforting.

For anyone looking to explore the heart of Indian cooking, starting with a basic red lentil recipe is a great introduction. The process involves rinsing the lentils, cooking them until soft, and then tempering with spices and herbs, a method that showcases the fundamental techniques of Indian cuisine. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or new to the kitchen, mastering a simple red lentil dish can open the door to a world of flavors and traditions, inviting you to delve deeper into the art of Indian cooking.