Monday, August 8, 2016

Kadalai Paruppu [Chana Dhal] vs Thuvaram Paruppu [Toor Dhal]

Kadalai paruppu and Thuvaram paruppu may be difficult to distinguish for some. So here, I will describe the difference between both the dhals and what they are used for. 

Let's start off with the difference in appearance. Although both the dhals are yellow and semi-spherical, there are ways to distinguish them. Kadalai paruppu is bigger and fatter in size. Thuvaram paruppu is smaller and flatter. Kadalai paruppu is also more yellow than thuvaram paruppu. See the images below for reference.
Left - Kadalai paruppu, Right - Thuvaram paruppu

The yellow dhal that comes in a typical Tamilian meal is made with thuvaram paruppu. This is also used to make sambhar. Kadalai paruppu is mainly used to make pakoda, poli, vegetable side dish, and kadalai paruppu kolumbu with raw banana.