Masoor Dal

A staple of Pakistani cooking, Masoor Dal has been enjoyed for generations and remains a favourite across Pakistani and South Asian households. It is traditionally made with key ingredients such as Red lentils, Tomatoes, Onion, Garlic, Cumin seeds, and prepared by red lentils simmered with tomatoes and spices, topped with hot garlic-cumin tempering..

With 220 calories per 250g, Masoor Dal is a relatively light food that supports calorie-conscious eating without compromising on taste or nutrition.

The macronutrient composition of Masoor Dal per 250g is as follows: 12g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 5g fat, with 8g of dietary fibre and 2g of sugars. This balanced macronutrient distribution makes Masoor Dal a nutritionally well-rounded food suitable for a variety of dietary goals, from weight management to general health maintenance. The generous fibre content of 8g supports healthy digestion, promotes gut health, and helps regulate blood sugar levels — a notable benefit for people managing diabetes or following a high-fibre diet.

Masoor Dal has a low glycemic index of 25, which means it causes a slow, gradual rise in blood sugar levels after consumption. Low GI foods are especially beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, or those seeking sustained energy without energy crashes. Including low-GI foods like Masoor Dal in a Pakistani diet plan can help regulate appetite and improve metabolic health over time.

The sodium content of Masoor Dal is 380mg per serving — a moderate amount that fits comfortably within the recommended daily limit of 2,300mg for most healthy adults.

Want to include Masoor Dal in a structured meal plan? DesiCalorie's desi diet plan generator and calorie tracker make it easy to plan balanced Pakistani meals every day.