Introduction:

Doubles is a beloved street food of Trinidad and Tobago, known for its delicious combination of spicy chickpea curry, soft and pillowy bara bread, and an array of mouthwatering toppings. This popular dish has taken the culinary world by storm, spreading joy with every flavorful bite. Here, we’ll share the best recipe to make authentic Trinidadian doubles at home, so you can enjoy this Caribbean treat anytime!

Ingredients:

For Bara Bread:

– 2 cups all-purpose flour

– 1 1/2 tsp instant yeast

– 1 tsp ground turmeric

– 1/2 tsp ground cumin

– 1/2 tsp ground coriander

– 1/4 tsp ground black pepper

– 1/4 tsp salt

– 1 tsp sugar

– 3/4 cup warm water

– Vegetable oil for frying

For Channa Curry:

– 2 cups cooked chickpeas (canned or cooked from dry)

– 2 tbsp vegetable oil

– 1 medium onion, finely chopped

– 3 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 tbsp curry powder

– 1 tsp geera powder (roasted cumin)

– 1/2 tsp turmeric powder

– 2 sprigs fresh thyme

– Salt to taste

Toppings:

-Spicy mango chutney

-Cucumber chutney

-Tamarind sauce

-Coconut chutney

-Hot pepper sauce (optional)

Instructions:

Prepare Bara Bread Dough:

1. In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, turmeric, cumin, coriander, black pepper, salt, and sugar.

2. Gradually add warm water, mixing until a sticky dough forms.

3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp cloth and let sit in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Cook Channa Curry:

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat.

2. Add onions and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.

3. Stir in garlic, curry powder, geera powder, turmeric powder, thyme sprigs, and salt. Cook for 2 minutes.

4. Add cooked chickpeas to the pan and stir to coat with spices.

5. Simmer for 20-30 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally.

Fry Bara Bread:

1. Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pot or pan over medium heat.

2. Divide dough into small balls, roughly golf-ball size.

3. Flatten each ball into a disc shape, about 4-5 inches in diameter.

4. Carefully lower each bara into the hot oil and fry for 30-45 seconds on each side or until puffed and golden brown.

5. Remove from oil using a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

Assemble Doubles:

1. To serve, start by placing one piece of bara bread on a plate or sheet of wax paper.

2. Top with a generous scoop of channa curry and your choice of chutneys and sauces.

3. Place another piece of bara bread on top to make a sandwich-like snack.

Now you have an authentic Trinidadian doubles recipe that will bring the vibrant tastes of the Caribbean to your kitchen! Enjoy your delicious homemade doubles with family and friends — just don’t forget plenty of napkins!