Masoor dal is an important part of the diet in many parts of the world, especially in the Indian subcontinent which has large vegetarian population. The seeds have a short cooking time (especially for small varieties with the husk removed, such as the common red lentil) and a distinctive earthy flavor.

With 26 per cent protein, these lentils have the third-highest level of protein, by weight, of any plant-based food after soybeans and hemp.