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Arhar Dal

Arhar Dal has 106.6 calories per serving (1 Small Cup) — that's 105.6 calories per 100g. It provides 7.2g protein, 18.3g carbs, and 0.5g fat. With a low glycemic index (GI: 36), this recipe is suitable for weight loss, diabetes management, heart health and more. The 3g of dietary fiber per serving adds to its nutritional value. It contains anti-inflammatory ingredients like turmeric and ginger.

Track the exact calories and macros of Arhar Dal in the Hint app — India's comprehensive recipe and nutrition tracking platform.

Arhar Dal
  • Serving Size 1 Small Cup (100 g)
  • Calories106.6 kcal
  • Carbs18.3 g (73.2 kcal)
  • Protein7.2 g (28.7 kcal)
  • Fats0.5 g (4.7 kcal)

Nutrition Label

Arhar Dal

  • Serving Size1 Small Cup (100 g)
  • Calories106.6 kcal
  • Carbs18.3 g
  • Fiber3.0 g
  • Sugar0.7 g
  • Protein7.2 g
  • Fat0.5 g
  • Saturated fat0.1 g
  • Mono unsaturated fat0.0 g
  • Poly unsaturated fat0.2 g
  • Cholesterol0.0 mg
  • Sodium330.4 mg

Nutrition per 100g

  • Calories105.6 kcal
  • Carbs18.1 g
  • Fiber3.0 g
  • Sugar0.7 g
  • Protein7.1 g
  • Fat0.5 g
  • Cholesterol0.0 mg
  • Sodium327.1 mg

1 serving = 101g

Cooking time: 15 minutes

Serves: 6 persons

Ingredients

Red gram dal
200 Grams
Turmeric powder
1 Grams
Salt
1 Tea Spoon
Water
400 Grams

Instructions

1
Cooking
Wash the toor (red gram) dal with clean water. Add the washed dal into a pressure cooker and add the required quantity of water. Close the lid of the cooker and cook the dal up to three whistles. Once the dal is cooked, add turmeric and salt. Cook the dal for five more minutes.
2
Serve
Serve hot with rice and roti.

Glycemic Index

36 Low
Low
Medium
High

Likely to produce a slower, steadier rise in blood glucose for most people.

How to flatten the spike

  • Pair this dish with a protein source (dal, paneer, eggs, fish, or curd).
  • Add a fiber-rich side salad or non-starchy vegetables.
  • Avoid combining this with another high-carb side in the same meal.

Compare & Substitute

NutrientArhar DalHolud chaBoiled Laal Chhola
Calories106.6 kcal3.4 kcal107.2 kcal
Carbs18.3 g0.6 g18.4 g
Protein7.2 g0.1 g7.2 g
Fat0.5 g0.1 g0.5 g
Fiber3 g0.3 g3.1 g
Sugar0.7 g0 g0.7 g
Sodium330.4 mg0.3 mg136.2 mg
Cholesterol0 mg0 mg0 mg

Health Goals Suitability

Weight Loss

At just 106.6 kcal per serving, this is an excellent choice for weight management. The 3g of dietary fiber promotes satiety, helping you feel full longer.

Diabetes

With a low glycemic index of 36, this recipe supports stable blood sugar levels. The 3g fiber further slows glucose absorption.

Muscle Gain

Low protein content (7.2g per serving) — not sufficient alone for muscle building. Combine with high-protein sides like paneer, eggs, chicken, dal, or a protein shake to reach 25-30g protein per meal.

Heart Health

Zero cholesterol and low saturated fat (0.1g) make this heart-friendly. Anti-inflammatory ingredients benefit overall heart health.

PCOS

Low GI (36) with 3g fiber supports insulin sensitivity — key for PCOS management. Anti-inflammatory ingredients like turmeric and ginger are especially beneficial for PCOS. The high fiber content supports hormone balance by aiding estrogen metabolism.

Thyroid

No goitrogenic ingredients — generally safe for thyroid conditions.

Portion Guidance

Weight Loss

1 Small Cup (~101g). A light, kcal-friendly portion. Pair with roti or salad for a complete meal under 300 kcal.

Muscle Gain

1 Small Cup (~101g) plus a protein-rich addition (100g paneer, 2 eggs, or 1 cup dal) to hit 25-30g protein per meal.

Diabetes

1 Small Cup (~101g). Pair with whole wheat roti (not rice) to lower glycemic load. Eat protein and fiber portions first, carbs last.

General

1 Small Cup (~101g) provides a balanced portion. Adjust based on your daily kcal target — track accurately in the Hint app.

Recipe Modifications

Boost protein

Add 50g paneer, a boiled egg, or a side of sprouted moong dal. Stirring in 1 tbsp of peanut butter also adds 4g protein.

Meal prep friendly

Arhar Dal stores well for 2-3 days refrigerated. Reheat on stovetop for best texture. Prepare ingredients in advance for quick weeknight cooking.

Common Mistakes

Adding salt without measuring

Why it matters: Excess sodium increases blood pressure risk. Indian cooking already uses salt-heavy ingredients like pickles and chutneys alongside.

Fix: Use ½ teaspoon salt and taste before adding more. Account for sodium from other meal components.

Not measuring serving size

Why it matters: The nutrition values are for 1 standard serving. Eating 2-3x the serving means 2-3x the kcal (213.3-319.9 kcal).

Fix: Use the Hint app to scan and log the exact portion you eat for accurate tracking.

Frequently Asked Questions

One serving of Arhar Dal contains 106.6 kcal (7.2g protein, 18.3g carbs, 0.5g fat). That's 105.6 kcal per 100g. You can track exact portions in the Hint app.

At just 106.6 kcal per serving, this is an excellent choice for weight management. The 3g of dietary fiber promotes satiety, helping you feel full longer. Pair with a salad or raita for a filling, low-calorie meal.

With a low glycemic index of 36, this recipe supports stable blood sugar levels. The 3g fiber further slows glucose absorption. The glycemic index is 36 (Low). Always consult your dietitian for personalized guidance — Hint Premium connects you with expert dietitians.

Arhar Dal has 7.2g protein per serving. It provides moderate protein — add a protein-rich side for a complete meal.

Yes, Arhar Dal is light enough for dinner at 106.6 kcal. Having a lighter dinner 2-3 hours before sleep supports better digestion and weight management.

Since Arhar Dal is moderate in protein, pair it with dal, paneer, curd, or eggs. Add a fiber-rich salad for completeness. Track your full meal in the Hint app for accurate nutrition totals.

Low GI (36) with 3g fiber supports insulin sensitivity — key for PCOS management. Anti-inflammatory ingredients like turmeric and ginger are especially beneficial for PCOS. The high fiber content supports hormone balance by aiding estrogen metabolism.

Scientific References

  1. Low glycemic index foods help improve blood sugar control in people with diabetes

    Brand-Miller J et al. (2003). Low-glycemic index diets in the management of diabetes. Diabetes Care.

    DOI: 10.2337/diacare.26.8.2261
  2. Increased dietary fiber intake is associated with lower body weight

    Slavin JL (2005). Dietary fiber and body weight. Nutrition.

    DOI: 10.1016/j.nut.2003.09.004
  3. Dietary fiber slows glucose absorption and reduces post-meal blood sugar spikes

    Weickert MO & Pfeiffer AFH (2008). Metabolic effects of dietary fiber consumption. Journal of Nutrition.

    DOI: 10.1093/jn/138.3.439
  4. Curcumin in turmeric has significant anti-inflammatory properties

    Hewlings SJ & Kalman DS (2017). Curcumin: A Review of Its Effects on Human Health. Foods.

    DOI: 10.3390/foods6100092

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