Tag: Vigna mungo

While it's commonly known as a 'black lentil' in many Indian kitchens, urad dal is scientifically a bean (Vigna mungo), placing it in a different botanical family from true lentils. Understanding this fundamental distinction reveals why it has such a unique flavor and texture compared to other dals.

Botanically known as *Vigna mungo*, urad dal is not a true lentil (*Lens culinaris*) but rather a type of black gram, closely related to the mung bean. This distinction is important for understanding its unique texture, flavor profile, and wide-ranging uses in South Asian cooking.

As a nutritional powerhouse, *Vigna mungo* boasts a protein content of around 25% by dry weight, making it a staple in many traditional diets across Asia. Learning **how to use vigna mungo** can be a simple way to enrich your meals with essential nutrients and complex flavors.