Urad, also known as black gram, is a small-seeded pulse that originated in India and is related to mung beans and cowpeas. It's often cultivated as a small grain crop and is a key ingredient in Indian cuisine. Urad is commonly sold whole, split, or split and peeled. Whole black gram is black in color, while split and dehulled urad is white. The white, creamy lentils are also known as urad dal and are often used in soups and purees. They can also be added to flours to make breads, dosa, idlis, and sweets.