It is nutritious and is recommended for diabetics, as are other pulses. It is very popular in the Punjabi cuisine, as an ingredient of dal makhani. In Bengal it is made as a preparation called Biulir Dal. In Rajasthan, It is used to prepare dal which is especially consumed with "Bati".

Black gram is very nutritious as it contains high levels of protein (25g/100g), potassium (983mg/100g), calcium (138mg/100g), iron (7.57mg/100g), niacin (1.447mg/100g), Thiamine (0.273mg/100g), and riboflavin (0.254mg/100g). Black gram complements the essential amino acids provided in most cereals and plays an important role in the diets of the people of Nepal and India. Black gram has been shown to be useful in mitigating elevated cholesterol levels.