Moong dal vs paneer butter masala: calories and protein compared
Short answer: for fat loss pick moong dal; for muscle gain paneer butter masala does more. The numbers are per usual serving, so check the serving sizes in the table.
| Per serving | Moong dal | Paneer butter masala |
|---|---|---|
| Serving | 1 katori · 150 g | 1 katori · 150 g |
| Calories | 176 kcal | 304 kcal |
| Protein | 9 g | 16 g |
| Carbs | 22 g | 6 g |
| Fat | 5 g | 24 g |
| Protein per 100 kcal | 5 g | 5.2 g |
| Calories from fat | 27% | 72% |
What the numbers say
- Paneer butter masala has 128 kcal more a serving than moong dal. One serving of paneer butter masala has the calories of about 1.7 servings of moong dal.
- Paneer butter masala has more protein: 16 g vs 9 g.
- For protein per calorie, paneer butter masala wins with 5.2 g per 100 kcal.
- They suit different diets: moong dal is vegan and paneer butter masala is vegetarian.
Which to pick
- Losing fat: Moong dal, because it is lighter and the protein difference is small.
- Building muscle: Paneer butter masala, because it brings more protein a serving.
- Either way: the cooking fat moves both numbers most. Halving the oil or ghee is the easiest cut.