Dal (also spelle dahl) (Devanagari दाल, Banglaদ্দাল) Pappu is a preparation of pulses (dried beans) which have been stripped of their outer hulls and split. It also refers to the thick, spicy stew prepared therefrom, a mainstay of Indian, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi cuisine. In South India dal is used to make the dish called sambar. The word Dal derives from the Sanskrit term to split.