#Blogchatter A2Z 2023 challenge

 Urad Dal - versatile and nutritious. 

Black gram or urad dal Vigna Mungo is a bean grown in South Asia where it has been cultivated for thousands of years. Urad dal is a very popular ingredient in Indian Kitchens because of its versatility. The crop is grown both as a Rabi and Kharif crop in India and is grown extensively in South India, the  Northern part of Bangladesh and Nepal. It is a good food for vegetarians and vegans as it is rich in protein. 

Urad dal is available in different forms: 

• As a split white lentil
• whole round unsplit black lentil
• Split lentil with the black skin still on. 

Health Benefits of Urad Dal:

• Urad dal is rich in both soluble and insoluble fibre which aids digestion. Also supports liver health. 
• Urad dal is loaded with fibre, magnesium, and potassium which support heart health. Potassium is said to improve blood circulation. 
• Urad dal has a high content of iron which boosts energy levels and stimulates the production of red blood cells. 
• This nutritious lentil strengthens the nervous system and helps in brain function. Urad dal is used in Ayurveda too. 
• Since it is rich in magnesium, potassium, iron, folic acid and calcium, it is a great help to pregnant women. 

On your Plate: 

• The split white lentil is widely used as a tempering and seasoning ingredient. 
• Used in the idli and dosa and vada batter as also in papads. 
• An ingredient in Dal Makani and Maa ki dal.
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This post is part of the Blogchatter A2Z2023 challenge.