Toor Dal vs Arhar Dal — what's the difference?
Short answer: none. Toor dal and arhar dal are two names for the very same split pigeon pea. Here's why both names exist.
| Toor dal | Arhar dal | |
|---|---|---|
| The pulse | Split pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) | Split pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) |
| Where the name is used | South & west India | North India |
| Taste & texture | Mild, nutty, creamy | Mild, nutty, creamy |
| Typical dishes | Sambar, Gujarati dal | Dal tadka, dal fry |
The verdict
They are identical. If a recipe asks for toor dal and your packet says arhar (or vice versa), use it without a second thought.
