Moong dal, also known as green gram, is a great source of plant-based protein. For every 100 grams of moong dal, you are looking at roughly 24 grams of protein, which is quite substantial for a legume. This makes it an excellent choice if you’re seeking protein-rich vegetarian options. And yes, including moong dal in your diet will likely support your protein intake effectively, even if you’re active, but not training like a professional athlete.
Now, the topic of complete proteins is an interesting one. Moong dal, like many other legumes, isn’t a complete protein by itself because it lacks certain essential amino acids. However, you can get around this by complementing it with grains, such as rice or whole wheat, to make a complete protein profile—they complement each other’s amino acid profiles well.
As for the mushiness, cooking moong dal can indeed result in a softer texture if cooked for too long, which is common for soups or curries. If you prefer it firmer, try reducing the cooking time or soaking the dal for a shorter period before cooking.
Incorporating moong dal into your diet as soups or salads is not just practical incresing your protein intake, but it also offers numerous health benefits from an Ayurvedic perspective. Moong dal is light and easy to digest, supporting agni, your digestive fire, especially if prepared with spices like cumin and coriander that enhance its digestibility.
For someone with a busy schedule, cook larger batches to save time; it stores well and quickly adds a protein boost to any meal. Remember, balancing your meals by incorporating various plant-based proteins can help cover all your nutritional needs efficiently, even on a tight schedule.
