Pigeon Pea is commonly known as Arhar Dal or Split Toor (Tuvar) Dal. A yellow coloured lentil flat on one side, oblong in shape, used widely in Indian cooking. It has its origins in the Eastern part of peninsular India. It is both a food crop and a cover crop. It is one of the most common dishes that is made in Indian households. It tastes best with a steaming bowl of rice. It has a mild, nutty flavor.

The skinless, split variety is used. Its greenish-brown in color with the skin and yellow without the skin. It should be soaked in water for about 10 minutes before cooking. Soaking in water reduces the cooking time. To cook, pressure cook it with the amount of water required according to the quantity of dal for about 2-3 whistles.

Pigeon Pea can be used with vegetables, as dried pea or can be grounded into flour. When cooked along with cereals, pigeon pea makes a balanced diet. Split peas can be pureed and served. It can also be added to salad. The most common preparation is 'dal'. It is used to make popular dishes like the South Indian Sambar or the Gujarati Dal.

The Pigeon Pea is easily digested and therefore suitable for invalids. It has many medicinal properties. It relieves inflammation of internal organs. However, excessive use of pigeon pea causes hyper acidity and wind in the intestines. Therefore, it is forbidden in gastric ulcer and heart disease. It cures Baldness, Jaundice, Inflammation and Piles.