🇹🇹 Savoury Doubles 🥙
Soft, spicy, and downright addictive!
If you’ve ever strolled through the lively streets of Port of Spain early in the morning, you’ve probably caught that unmistakable aroma of curried channa (chickpeas) and soft bara bread wafting through the air. That’s Trinidad doubles — the island’s beloved street food that’s cheap, cheerful, and bursting with flavor!
🕒 Quick Facts
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 6 doubles (3 servings)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Region: Caribbean / Trinidad & Tobago
🌿 Ingredients
For the Bara (flatbread):
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp instant yeast
- ½ tsp sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- ⅓ cup warm water (approx.)
- 1 tsp vegetable oil (plus more for frying)
For the Curried Channa (chickpeas):
- 1 cup canned or boiled chickpeas
- 1 tbsp curry powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ onion, chopped
- ½ Scotch bonnet or hot pepper (optional)
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup water
- 1 tbsp oil
Optional Toppings:
- Tamarind chutney 🍯
- Hot pepper sauce 🌶️
- Fresh chopped cilantro 🌿
👩🏽🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Bara
- In a bowl, combine flour, turmeric, cumin, yeast, sugar, and salt.
- Add warm water gradually and knead until soft and slightly sticky.
- Rub with oil, cover, and let rest for 1 hour to rise.
- Divide dough into small balls and roll out thin, about 4” circles.
Step 2: Cook the Bara
- Heat oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Fry each bara for 10–15 seconds per side until puffed and golden.
- Place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 3: Make the Curried Channa
- In a saucepan, heat oil and sauté onion, garlic, and curry powder for 1–2 minutes.
- Add chickpeas, cumin, salt, pepper, and water.
- Simmer for 10 minutes until thick and flavorful.
Step 4: Assemble the Doubles
- Lay one bara flat, spoon curried channa on top, and cover with another bara.
- Add tamarind chutney, pepper sauce, or cilantro.
- Fold like a sandwich and enjoy warm — preferably standing at a street corner with napkins ready! 😋
💚 Health Benefits
| 🌱 Ingredient | 💪 Benefit |
|---|---|
| Chickpeas | High in protein & fiber, helps digestion and heart health |
| Turmeric | Anti-inflammatory and rich in antioxidants |
| Garlic & Onion | Boost immune system & improve circulation |
| Cumin | Aids digestion and supports metabolism |
🧭 Chef’s Tip
Make your bara ahead and freeze them! Just reheat on a skillet before serving for a quick Trinidadian breakfast or snack on-the-go.
🔖 Try This Recipe On:
ChefExotic.com – Discover more Caribbean & Exotic Dishes from around the world! 🌍
