Dals vs. Lentils vs. Legumes: What’s the Difference?

Understanding the terms—and how Laxmi Protein brings them all to your kitchen.

If you've ever been confused by the terms dal, lentil, and legume, you're not alone. While these words are often used interchangeably, especially in Indian cooking, they actually refer to different parts of the same plant family.

Let’s break it down—and see how Laxmi Protein offers all three in high-quality, ready-to-cook form.

What Are Legumes?

Legumes are a family of plants that includes everything from lentils and beans to chickpeas and peas. The term “legume” technically refers to the entire plant or its seeds in their raw form.

Examples from Laxmi Protein:

• Brown Chana (whole chickpeas)
• Rajma Red (kidney beans)
• Green Peas / White Peas
• Urad Black Whole / Moong Whole
• Think of legumes as the broad category—your pantry staples often begin in this form.

What Are Lentils?

Lentils are a type of legume that are small, lens-shaped, and quick to cook. They are known for their rich nutritional value and are a common part of Indian, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean diets.

Common Lentils from Laxmi Protein:

• Masoor Whole (whole red lentils)
• Moong Whole
• Chola (White Lobiya)
• Lentils are generally more delicate and cook faster than larger legumes like beans.

What Is Dal?

In Indian cuisine, dal refers to split pulses—often with the outer skin removed—and also to the cooked dish made from them. The term can apply to many types of pulses that are split, whether they’re lentils, peas, or beans.

Dals from Laxmi Protein:

• Toor Dal Plain / Toor Dal Oily / Super Premium Toor Dal
• Moong Dal / Moong Dal Small / Moong Split Fada
• Chana Dal / Unpolished Chana Dal
• Urad Dal / Unpolished Urad Dal / Urad Split Chilka
• Mix Dal (a nutritious mix of various pulses)

In everyday Indian cooking, when you say "dal", you’re usually referring to the dish made with split pulses—rich, hearty, and full of flavor.

Quick Comparison Table

Why It Matters for Your Kitchen Knowing the difference helps you:

• Choose the right product for the right recipe
• Balance your meals with variety
• Understand what you're eating—from whole nutrition to quick-cook comfort foods

At Laxmi Protein, we offer a wide range of all three—legumes, lentils, and dals—so you can cook with confidence, nourish your family, and enjoy authentic taste every time.

Ready to Stock Up on Staples?

Explore our wide range of pulses—from Toor Dal to Rajma, Moong Dal to Chola Dal—all sourced with care and quality you can trust.

[Shop Now at Laxmi Protein]