Trinidad Doubles: A Simple Guide to Making This Delicious Street Food at Home

Introduction

Trinidad Doubles are a popular street food from Trinidad and Tobago, loved for their spicy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors. It’s made with two soft, flatbreads called “bara” filled with a curried chickpea mixture known as “channa.” This dish is not only delicious but also simple to make, making it a fantastic recipe for young chefs or anyone looking to try something new and exciting in the kitchen. Let’s dive into how you can make this Caribbean delight at home.

Recipe Details

Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Serves: 4 people

Ingredients

For the Bara (flatbread):

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric (for color)
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon yeast
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• Water (as needed)
• Salt (to taste)
• Oil (for frying)

For the Channa (curried chickpeas):

• 1 can chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• Water (as needed)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Hot sauce or pepper (optional, for spice)

Preparation Steps

1. Bara: In a large bowl, mix the flour, turmeric, cumin, yeast, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Slowly add water and knead until the dough is soft but not sticky. Let it rest for 15-20 minutes.
2. Divide the dough into small balls, then flatten each to form thin circles. Heat oil in a pan and fry each bara until it puffs up and turns golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
3. Channa: Heat a little oil in a pan. Fry the onion and garlic until soft. Add curry powder, cumin, and turmeric, stirring for about a minute.
4. Add chickpeas, water, salt, and pepper. Cook until the mixture thickens. For extra spice, add hot sauce or pepper.
5. Assembly: Place some of the channa on one bara, then cover with another bara. Press gently and serve.

Recipe Tips and Variations

• Dough Consistency: If the bara dough is too sticky, add a little more flour. If it’s too dry, add a bit more water. The perfect dough is soft and pliable.
• Spice Levels: Adjust the amount of curry, cumin, and hot sauce in the channa to suit your taste.
• Add-ons: For an extra layer of flavor, add chopped cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice to the channa.
• Vegan-Friendly: This recipe is naturally vegan, making it a great option for everyone.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Trinidad Doubles as a snack or a light meal. They’re best enjoyed hot, with a side of tamarind sauce or mango chutney for an authentic experience. Doubles can be messy, so be ready to eat with your hands!

Nutritional Information

Each serving of Trinidad Doubles (2 doubles per serving) contains approximately:

• Calories: 300-400
• Protein: 8-10g
• Fat: 10-15g
• Carbohydrates: 45-55g
• Fiber: 6-8g

Nutritional values may vary based on ingredients used and portion sizes.