Trinidad Doubles are more than just food; they’re a burst of flavor in every bite! Imagine soft, fluffy flatbread paired with a spicy chickpea curry, all wrapped up in one delicious package.
This dish is a favorite in Trinidad and Tobago, and it’s easy to see why. It’s not just a treat for your taste buds but also a fun cooking adventure that you can share with friends and family.
In this post, we’ll walk you through each step of making the Recipe for Trinidad doubles. From the soft bara flatbread to the warm, spiced channa filling, we’ve got all the tips and tricks you’ll need. And the best part? You don’t have to be a chef to make them. With ingredients you might already have in your kitchen, you’ll be ready to create a snack that’ll have everyone asking for more. So, let’s get started and bring a taste of Trinidad to your table!
Ingredients List
Before we start cooking, let’s make sure we have everything we need. For Trinidad Doubles, the ingredients are simple and easy to find. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Bara (Flatbread):
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder (for that lovely golden color)
- 1/2 teaspoon of instant yeast (this helps our bread puff up)
- 1/2 teaspoon of sugar (just a little bit)
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt (to taste)
- About 3/4 cup of warm water (to mix everything together)
- Oil for frying (any kind you like to use)
For the Channa (Chickpea) Filling:
- 2 cups of canned chickpeas (that’s about one big can)
- 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped (for a nice kick)
- 1 medium onion, chopped (for sweetness and crunch)
- 1 tablespoon of curry powder (for that authentic flavor)
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin (for a bit of warmth)
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground turmeric (it’s healthy and colorful)
- Salt to taste (so it’s just right for you)
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil (for cooking)
- 1 cup of water (to make it saucy)
- A few leaves of cilantro (also known as coriander, for freshness)
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s move on to the fun part – cooking!
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Preparing the Bara (Flatbread):
- In a big bowl, mix the flour, turmeric, yeast, sugar, and salt.
- Slowly add the warm water and mix it with your hands until you have a soft dough.
- Cover the dough with a cloth and let it rest for about 15 minutes. It needs a little nap to get ready!
- After the dough has rested, make small balls, about the size of a golf ball.
- Flatten each ball into a circle. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect – they’ll still taste great!
- Heat some oil in a pan over medium heat. We want it hot, but not too hot.
- Carefully slide the dough circles into the oil. They should start to puff up like little pillows.
- Flip them over when they’re golden on one side, then cook the other side. It should take about a minute on each side.
- Take them out and put them on some paper towels to drain the extra oil.
Making the Channa (Chickpea) Filling:
- Heat the oil in a pan and add the chopped onions and garlic. Cook them until they’re soft and smell really good.
- Add the curry powder and cumin, and stir for about a minute. This is where the magic starts!
- Put in the chickpeas and turmeric, and give everything a good mix.
- Pour in the water and add salt to taste. Let it simmer until the sauce thickens a bit and the chickpeas are nice and tender.
- Finish by sprinkling some chopped cilantro on top for that fresh, herby flavor.
Assembling Your Trinidad Doubles
Now that we have our bara and channa ready, it’s time to put them together to make Trinidad Doubles. Here’s how you do it:
- Take one of the bara flatbreads and lay it flat on a plate.
- Spoon some of the channa filling right in the middle. You can add as much or as little as you like, but don’t overfill it, or it might get messy!
- If you want, you can add some sauce now. Some people like tamarind sauce or cucumber chutney. It’s all up to your taste!
- Now, take another bara and place it on top, like a sandwich.
- Press down gently so everything sticks together.
That’s it! You’ve made a Trinidad Double. It’s best eaten right away while it’s warm and delicious.
Customizing Your Doubles
One of the best things about Trinidad Doubles is that you can make them your own. Here are some ideas to customize your doubles:
- Add some heat: If you like things spicy, add some hot pepper sauce to the channa.
- Make it creamy: Some people love a bit of yogurt or sour cream on top of their doubles.
- Crunchy toppings: Chopped onions, tomatoes, or even some lettuce can add a nice crunch.
- Extra herbs: Sprinkle some extra cilantro or even some parsley for more flavor.
Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to enjoy your doubles. Try different toppings and find what you love the most!
Serving and Presentation
After making your Trinidad Doubles, it’s time to serve them up! Here’s how to make them look as good as they taste:
- Place a couple of doubles on each plate. If you’re serving many people, you can arrange them on a big platter.
- Garnish with a little extra chopped cilantro on top for a pop of green color.
- If you’ve made sauces or have extra toppings, put them in small bowls on the side so everyone can help themselves.
Eating doubles is a hands-on experience. Encourage everyone to dig in and enjoy the mix of flavors and textures.
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, here’s how to keep them:
- Bara (Flatbread): Wrap the bara in foil or plastic wrap and keep them in the fridge. They’ll stay good for a couple of days. When you’re ready to eat them, just reheat them in a pan or microwave.
- Channa (Chickpea) Filling: Store the channa in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last for up to three days. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave until it’s warm.
Now you know how to make, serve, and store Trinidad Doubles. Enjoy making this tasty treat, and don’t forget to share your doubles with friends and family!
Final Analysis
Making Trinidad Doubles is a fun and delicious way to bring a taste of the Caribbean into your home. With this simple recipe, you can enjoy a warm, comforting snack any time you want. We hope you enjoyed following along and that your kitchen is filled with the delightful scents of Trinidad.
Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and finding what works for you, so feel free to get creative with your doubles. If you have any questions or want to share your experience, leave a comment below. Happy cooking!
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