Abhi

Yes, Captain Obvious, Dal is not a source of protein, it has more carbs, but your privileged ass never thought why we Indians consider Dal as a source of protein in the first place and why it is one of the most essential parts of meal for us! We started as a poor country. Most people were financially impoverished, and we had significantly fewer food items. If you read any history book of delicacies or meals, only the privileged people like rulers or kings used to have chicken and mutton (the high protein meals), the regular junta or the praja had only options like basic rice, grains and some dairy to sustain themselves with whatever farming they could do. Out of all those grains and whatever options they had, Dal, chana, and other legumes provided them with the highest protein comparatively. Not only this, we Indians went through many famines; millions of our ancestors died and suffered because of such famines and economic distress, which continued post-independence. The relief meal they got and the poor still get is of some grains and legumes like dal because it is one of the most convenient ways to eat food (as dal is gravy/wet in nature and easy to cook). The notion of people that Dal is one of the highest sources of protein might be wrong, but to ultimately say dal is a waste source of protein is wrong, not only wrong but misguiding people and fear-mongering them. Dal provides 24-26g of protein per 100g in 360 kcal. It can remain a part of your meal while you add other lean sources to your diet. You know why because, for example - someone 70kg eats only Dal whole day. Will get 130g of protein, and the hypertrophic response will be equal to animal protein once the total daily protein is high. Nothing can beat a taste of Dal with Rice and some pickles. You won't look or become "cool" by calling out dal; it will only make you look like an unempathetic person who doesn't understand the culture, upbringing and applications of these things in fitness coaching.