Hello Indians: dal question?

Question

I went to my local Indian store and was looking at toor dal. What is the oily toor dal? Why do they add oil? What is the difference in taste?

thank you very much for your replies

Answer 1

Toor Dal in United States is Pigeionpeas. In Hindi, it is called Arhar. It comes in three forms: whole legume, hulled split oiled, hulled split un-oiled.

Normally, you add 4 cups of water to one cup of dal. Bring it to a boil. Turn down heat till the legume are tender. After boiling, it takes about 25 minutes for the Legume to get tender. The problem is boil over. The powder like substance makes a honeycomb and cause boil over. You will normally add, 2 Tablespoon of Oil to break the surface tension and reduce boil over. Oiled Toor is less prone to boil overs. I never use oiled Toor.

1. Oiled Toor has stronger taste than un-oiled legume

2. Oiled Toor is less prone to boil-over.

3. Oil acts as a natural preservative to extend the shelflife