Mastering the Flavors of Traditional Trinidadian Doubles: A Street Food Recipe
If you ever find yourself in the vibrant streets of Trinidad and Tobago, there’s one food you simply can’t miss—doubles! Doubles is a beloved Trinidadian street food that has won hearts around the world. It’s the perfect combination of soft, fluffy bread, flavorful curried chickpeas, and tangy toppings like pepper sauce, tamarind chutney, and cucumber. Whether you’re a fan of spicy food or prefer something mild, doubles can easily be customized to suit your taste.
In this blog post, you’ll learn the basics of making traditional Trinidadian doubles right in your own kitchen. The recipe is simple, but mastering the flavors takes a little patience. Once you try it, you’ll see why this dish is so popular!
What Exactly Are Doubles?
Doubles consist of three main components:
-
Baras: These are the flat, fried pieces of dough that act as the base or “bread” for the doubles. Each doubles has two baras—hence the name “doubles.”
-
Chickpea Curry: Also known as “channa,” this is the deliciously spiced topping that goes on the baras. It’s made with tender chickpeas simmered in a flavorful Trinidadian curry sauce.
-
Toppings: Doubles aren’t complete without toppings! Traditional choices include tamarind chutney (a sweet and tangy sauce made from tamarind), hot pepper sauce, and cucumber salad.
With these three elements combined, every bite is an explosion of flavor!
Making Trinidadian Doubles at Home
You don’t need a fancy kitchen or hard-to-find ingredients to make doubles. This street food can be prepared with simple staples like flour, chickpeas, spices, and a few fresh ingredients for the toppings. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Prepare the Baras (Dough)
The baras are soft, golden discs of fried dough that make doubles what it is. To make them, you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
Instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, turmeric, sugar, salt, and yeast. Mix well.
2. Gradually add warm water and knead the dough until it’s soft and smooth. The dough should be slightly sticky.
3. Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and let the dough rise for about an hour, or until it doubles in size.
4. Once it’s ready, divide the dough into small balls (about the size of a golf ball). Roll each ball into a thin, flat circle.
5. Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Fry the baras for about 15-20 seconds on each side, until golden. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Chickpea Curry (Channa)
For the channa, you’ll need:
- 2 cups cooked chickpeas (or canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups water
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a pot on medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until fragrant.
2. Add curry powder, turmeric, and cumin. Stir until the spices are mixed with the onions.
3. Add the chickpeas, water, and a pinch of salt. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly and the chickpeas are soft.
Step 3: Prepare Toppings
The toppings are what make doubles shine! You’ll need:
- Tamarind Chutney: Combine tamarind paste, sugar, and water in a saucepan. Simmer until it thickens into a tangy sauce.
- Hot Pepper Sauce: Blend fresh peppers, garlic, vinegar, and salt to make your own spicy condiment. Store-bought hot sauce works too!
- Cucumber Salad: Mix chopped cucumber, salt, and a dash of lime juice.
Step 4: Assemble Your Doubles
Here comes the fun part—assembling the doubles:
1. Place one bara flat on a plate.
2. Add a generous spoonful of channa on top.
3. Add a second bara to cover the chickpeas slightly.
4. Drizzle tamarind chutney and pepper sauce to taste.
5. Sprinkle the cucumber salad on top.
Your doubles are ready to enjoy! They’re best eaten fresh and warm.
Pro Tips for Success
- Fluffy Baras: Knead the dough well and allow it to rise properly to ensure soft, airy bread.
- Flavorful Channa: Don’t skimp on the spices! Trinidadian curry powder is key to capturing the authentic flavor.
- Toppings: Balance is everything. The sweetness of tamarind chutney, the heat from pepper sauce, and the crunch from cucumber salad all create the perfect bite.
Why Doubles Are So Special
Doubles aren’t just a snack—they represent the vibrant culture and history of Trinidad and Tobago. Originating from Indian immigrants who brought their culinary traditions to the islands, doubles reflect the blending of flavors and traditions that make Caribbean cuisine unique.
Whether you’re recreating this dish at home or trying it on the streets of Trinidad, doubles is a dish that brings people together. It’s affordable, portable, and always satisfying, making it the ultimate street food experience.
So, gather your ingredients and give this recipe a try! You’ll be mastering the flavors of Trinidadian doubles in no time—and maybe even sharing this delicious treat with friends and family. One bite, and you’ll feel like you’re strolling through Port of Spain, soaking up the island vibes.
Happy cooking!
