​This is why Brahmins avoid consuming Masoor Dal

There are several reasons why food habits in India are deep-rooted and are an extension of tradition, culture, and religion. Among many dietary customs, one of the noted dietary abstinence is that of Brahmins avoiding Masoor Dal (red lentils) as it is considered non-vegetarian by them. This dietary abstinence is followed by many Brahmin communities, which may be attributed to cultural, religious, and health-related issues. Let us look at why Masoor Dal was regarded as traditionally avoided by Brahmins, but before that here's a brief about how much protein this dal contains.
How much protein Masoor dal has?
Masoor dal (red lentils) contains approximately 18 grams of protein per cup when uncooked. After cooking, the protein content reduces slightly due to added water, providing about 7-9 grams of protein per cup. This makes it a valuable source of plant-based protein, ideal for vegetarian and balanced diets.
Religious beliefs and ritual purity
For Brahmins, the following principles of purity and sattvic living are essential, particularly in diet. Sattvic food is believed to promote spiritual clarity, physical well-being, and mental harmony. Well it is said that Masoor Dal is considered tamasic, as it is thought to increase lethargy and cloud spiritual consciousness, according to Ayurveda and Hindu scriptures.
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Many believe that Masoor Dal whether whole or split, is associated with the consumption of meat because it has the same heat as that in non-vegetarian food; hence Brahmins oppose the dal.
Other readings of the Hindu scripture indicate that Masoor Dal was considered a forbidden product because it was represented or served in various rituals, and others believed that it originated in places where its original use would have been a ritual to dead bodies, and, hence, bringing inauspiciousness into day-to-day activities.

Although not strictly prohibited in all holy books, food preferences within Brahmins typically reflect trends that avoid consumables identified with death rites or otherwise deeming them unfavourable.
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Another popular theory related to Masoor dal is from the Mahabharata era. Legend has it that when Sahastrabahu Arjuna tried to steal the holy cow Kamdhenu which could confer all desires from Sage Jamadagni's ashram, he could not take the cow away easily. In a fit of rage, Sahastrabhanu attacked the divine cow with arrows and she bled a lot. It is said that wherever her blood fell on earth, masoor dal plant appeared. Thus, it is considered equivalent to non-vegetarian food.

Expert opinions
We spoke to popular astrologer, Nandita Pandey and she spoke in detail about why this dal is strictly avoided by Brahmins. She told us, "Due to the high percentage of protein in Masoor Dal, it creates heat in the body and is considered tamasic in nature. In my view, it is avoided by not just those who belong to the 'Brahmin category', but those Brahmins who belong to the Vaishnav community or are Tamil Brahmins or the ones who perform puja in temples, who are majorly considered priests as they consume sattvic food. Also, those who perform deep meditation strictly avoid consuming this dal."
She further says, "Also, masoor dal is often used in Kali Puja or Tantric rituals and it also represents Mangal grah or planet, which represents fire or fiery nature. Thus, it is said that people consuming this dal soak in the nature of this dal, which further invokes the tamasic nature in a person, and this is why it must be avoided."

What does the Ayurveda say?
Ayurveda, India's ancient system of medicine, plays a significant role in shaping dietary habits. According to Ayurvedic principles, Masoor Dal is considered to generate heat in the body and difficult to digest. It may aggravate some doshas (vata, pitta, or kapha) and create imbalances in the body. For Brahmins, whose lifestyles are mostly surrounded by meditation practices and rituals, physical balance and energy must be maintained. Thus, Masoor Dal, which is believed to disturb this equilibrium, is avoided by most spiritual people.

Symbolic associations
The reddish-orange colour of Masoor Dal symbolically relates to blood and sacrifice in Indian culture. Since Brahmins believe in non-violence (ahimsa) and vegetarianism, the consumption of food resembling blood is inappropriate.
This symbolic perspective makes the practice of avoiding Masoor Dal even more prominent, even though there may not be a direct prohibition regarding it in religious texts.

Health reasons
While cultural and religious considerations form the main reasons against Masoor Dal, it could be that health has been an influencing factor. While historically it was associated with gas and bloating from excess intake, especially not being cooked properly, such associations have led to avoiding this one in Brahmin dieting, which primarily consists of moong dal and toor dal—much easier to digest, light on the stomach, and are often preferred.
ALSO READ: Why black or whole masoor is nicknamed 'Ande Wali Dal'
Regional differences in practice
But then, not all Brahmins avoid Masoor Dal. Dietary practices vary quite extensively across regions in India. For instance, in south and east India, many Brahmins consume foods like Masoor Dal, especially where regional customs and food are available in a different form from the north.
These differences bring to light the fact that reasons for abstaining from Masoor Dal could be due to regional culture and not because of universal religious norms. However, there are still some cultures that avoid consuming this dal.
ALSO READ: How to make Tofu at home with Masoor Dal
Contemporary outlooks
There are so many people today, even Brahmins, who are questioning the dietary taboos based on choice and dietary knowledge. Masoor Dal is rich in nutrition; it contains proteins, iron, and fibres and is a rich source of plant nutrients.
Despite its nutritional value, those who continue to avoid it often do so out of respect for tradition or cultural beliefs, rather than any explicit religious requirement.

The practice of Brahmins avoiding Masoor Dal comes from a complex mix of religious, cultural, and symbolic beliefs supported by Ayurvedic principles. These traditions may hold less sway in modern times, but they remain an integral part of India's rich cultural tapestry.
Understanding these reasons provides deeper insight into the diverse food habits shaped by centuries of tradition, reminding us of the fascinating interplay between culture, spirituality, and diet.

What all is made with this dal?
Masoor dal, or red lentils, is a versatile ingredient used in various dishes. It is commonly cooked as a simple dal curry, spiced with turmeric, cumin, and coriander. It can be used in Soups, Khichdi, or as a base for lentil stews. Masoor dal is also used in making Parathas, Pakoras, and lentil-based Curries with Vegetables. Additionally, it can be blended into spreads or dips and incorporated into salads or rice dishes for added nutrition and flavour.
(Images courtesy: Canva)