Hindu name for legumes; in the Caribbean, it refers only to split peas or lentils.

Dhal refers to any of the pulse family - dried peas, beans and lentils. There are hundreds of types of dhal but the most common in restaurants are "masoor dhal" (split red lentils) and "chana dhal". The word dhal is also used to describe the name of the finished dish. e.g. tarka dhal where cooked dhal is garnished with fried garlic and spiced oil.

tropical woody herb with showy yellow flowers and flat pods; much cultivated in the tropics