Urad

Urad, also known as black gram, black lentil, or adad (in Gujarati), is a small black seed with a white interior. It closely resembles a mung bean in size and shape but has a distinct flavor. Widely consumed in India for thousands of years, urad is highly regarded for its unique taste and versatility. It imparts an earthy flavor and develops a smooth, mucilaginous texture when cooked, which adds richness to dishes. One of the most popular dishes made with urad is dal makhani, a rich, creamy lentil curry. Additionally, urad dal is commonly used to make papad (or poppadums), a crispy and savory snack.