Split Green Lentils

Moong dal is the convalescent's dal in Pakistani culture — light on the stomach and quick to prepare, it is the first solid food given after illness. Washed moong dal (with the green husk removed, appearing yellow) is the mildest version; unhusked whole moong has a slightly earthy, creamier flavor. In Punjab, moong dal is often cooked with spinach for a nutritional weekday meal; in sweet preparations, moong dal ka halwa is a rich Punjabi wedding dessert.