In Indian cuisine, dal (also spelled daal or dhal pronunciation: [d̪aːl]) are dried, split pulses (e.g., lentils, peas, and beans) that do not require soaking before cooking. India is the largest producer of pulses in the world. The term is also used for various soups prepared from these pulses. These pulses are among the leading staple foods in South Asian countries, and form an important part of the cuisines of the Indian subcontinent. Source: Wikipedia (en)