Are you ready for a culinary adventure? Today, we're diving headfirst into the vibrant flavors of Trinidad and Tobago with a recipe for Doubles – a beloved street food that's surprisingly easy to make at home. This delicious and satisfying meal is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend project. Get ready to experience the magic of homemade Doubles!
What are Doubles?
Doubles is a quintessential Trinidadian street food consisting of two fried flatbreads (bara) filled with a flavorful curried chickpea filling (channa). The combination of soft, pillowy bara and spicy, savory channa is a truly unforgettable taste sensation. It's a hearty, healthy, and incredibly delicious meal that's surprisingly simple to recreate in your own kitchen. This easy recipe makes it accessible for everyone, from beginner cooks to seasoned chefs.
Ingredients:
This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
For the Bara:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons oil, for frying
For the Channa:
- 1 cup dried chickpeas, soaked overnight
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 1 scotch bonnet pepper, finely chopped (remove seeds for less heat)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon curry powder
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons oil
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
For Serving (Optional):
- Tamarind chutney
- Mango chutney
- Sautéed vegetables
Instructions:
Making the Bara:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the warm water, mixing until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Don't overmix.
- Let the dough rest for about 15 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, resulting in softer bara.
- Divide the dough into 6 equal portions.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion into a thin, oval-shaped flatbread, about 6 inches long.
- Heat the oil in a large skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- Fry the bara for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan. Remove and set aside on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Making the Channa:
- Drain and rinse the soaked chickpeas.
- In a large pot or pressure cooker, combine the chickpeas with enough water to cover by about 2 inches. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 1 hour, or until tender. If using a pressure cooker, cook according to manufacturer's instructions.
- Heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until softened.
- Add the garlic, ginger, and scotch bonnet pepper and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, and curry powder. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
- Add the cooked chickpeas and salt. Mash some of the chickpeas to create a thicker consistency. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Assembling the Doubles:
- Place two bara together.
- Spoon a generous amount of channa between the bara.
- Add your favorite chutneys and/or toppings.
Tips and Variations:
- For a spicier channa, add more scotch bonnet pepper or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- If you don't have all the spices, you can substitute with a store-bought curry powder blend.
- You can also add other vegetables to the channa, such as potatoes or peas.
- Feel free to experiment with different chutneys and toppings to find your perfect combination. A dollop of mango chutney adds a lovely sweetness that cuts through the spice of the channa.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350-400 Protein: 15-20g Fiber: 10-15g
This is just an estimate and will vary depending on the ingredients used.
Enjoy your delicious homemade Doubles! This easy recipe provides a wonderful introduction to the flavors of Trinidad and Tobago, and is a great addition to your collection of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals. This homemade cooking adventure is sure to impress your friends and family, offering a delightful experience for everyone. It's one of those best recipes you'll want to make again and again.