Annam Urid Dal Chilka is a premium quality split black gram with skin, sourced and packed to deliver consistent texture, flavour, and nutritional value. A staple in Indian kitchens for centuries, Annam Urid Dal Chilka is prized for its earthy taste, high protein content, and remarkable versatility across a wide range of traditional recipes. Whether you're preparing a hearty dal, crispy dosas, or fluffy idlis, Annam Urid Dal Chilka is the reliable choice for authentic results every time.
What Is Annam Urid Dal Chilka?
Urid Dal Chilka — also spelled Urad Dal Chilka — refers to black gram lentils that have been split but retain their dark outer skin (chilka). This skin sets it apart from the fully husked white urad dal, giving it a more robust, nutty flavour and a higher fibre content. Annam Urid Dal Chilka is carefully cleaned, sorted, and packaged to meet the quality standards expected by home cooks and professional kitchens alike. It cooks to a creamy, thick consistency that forms the base of many beloved Indian dishes.
Country of Origin
Annam Urid Dal Chilka is sourced from India, where black gram (Vigna mungo) has been cultivated for thousands of years. India is the world's largest producer and consumer of urad dal, and the Annam brand brings this heritage ingredient to Indian communities across Europe with consistent quality and authentic taste.
Ingredients
Annam Urid Dal Chilka contains:
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Split Black Gram with Skin (Urid Dal Chilka) — 100% pure, with no additives, preservatives, or artificial colouring
Note: May be processed in a facility that handles other pulses and grains. Always check the packaging for the most current allergen and ingredient information.
Nutritional Highlights
Why Urid Dal Chilka Is a Nutritional Powerhouse
Urid Dal Chilka is one of the most nutrient-dense pulses available. Per 100g (dry), it typically provides approximately:
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Protein: ~25g — supports muscle maintenance and repair
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Dietary Fibre: ~18g — aids digestion and promotes gut health
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Iron: High levels — important for energy and blood health
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Magnesium & Potassium: Supports heart and nerve function
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B Vitamins (B1, B3, B6): Essential for energy metabolism
Values are approximate and may vary. Refer to packaging for precise nutritional data.
Benefits
Why Choose Annam Urid Dal Chilka?
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Rich in Plant Protein — An excellent protein source for vegetarians and vegans, supporting daily nutritional needs without animal products.
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High Dietary Fibre — The retained skin (chilka) significantly boosts fibre content compared to husked urad dal, supporting healthy digestion.
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Naturally Gluten-Free — Safe for those with gluten intolerance or coeliac disease.
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100% Vegan — Entirely plant-based, fitting seamlessly into vegan and vegetarian diets.
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Authentic Annam Quality — Annam is a trusted brand in the Indian diaspora community, known for clean, well-sorted pulses with minimal impurities.
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Versatile in the Kitchen — Used across North and South Indian cuisines in everything from everyday dal to festive dishes.
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Available in Multiple Sizes — Choose from 500g, 1kg, or 2kg to suit your household needs and reduce packaging waste.
How to Use
Cooking with Annam Urid Dal Chilka
Annam Urid Dal Chilka is straightforward to prepare and adapts well to multiple cooking methods:
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Basic Dal (Stovetop): Rinse thoroughly, soak for 30–60 minutes, then pressure cook or simmer with water, turmeric, and salt until soft. Finish with a tadka of ghee, cumin, garlic, and dried chilli for a classic dal.
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Pressure Cooker: Cook soaked dal with 2.5x water for 3–4 whistles. Ideal for a quick, creamy result.
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Dosa & Idli Batter: Soak Annam Urid Dal Chilka overnight, grind with rice, and ferment for 8–12 hours to make traditional South Indian dosa or idli batter.
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Dal Makhani: Combine with whole black urad and kidney beans, slow-cook with tomatoes, cream, and spices for a rich, restaurant-style dal makhani.
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Soups & Stews: Add to vegetable soups or stews for a protein and fibre boost.
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Storage: Store in a cool, dry place in an airtight container. Best used within 12 months of purchase.