Doubles: Trinidad and Tobago’s Beloved Street Food
Introduction
Transport your taste buds to the Caribbean with doubles – Trinidad and Tobago’s favorite street food. This delicious snack features fluffy fried flatbreads (bara) filled with curried chickpeas, topped with tangy tamarind and spicy pepper sauces. Let’s recreate this iconic street dish! Find the recipe here!
Bring a taste of the Caribbean to your friends – share this post!
Stay Connected! Follow us on Facebook for more recipes and cooking tips.
Historical & Cultural Significance
Doubles originated with Trinidad’s Indian immigrants, evolving into a cultural staple. Street vendors, known as “doublesmen,” serve them fresh daily, making doubles an essential part of local cuisine and celebrations.
The Flavor Experience
Bite into warm, soft bara filled with rich, curried chickpeas. The tangy tamarind sauce and spicy pepper add layers of flavor, making doubles both comforting and exciting.
Key Ingredients
-
Bara (Flatbread): Soft and chewy.
-
Curried Chickpeas: Mildly spiced and flavorful.
-
Tamarind & Pepper Sauces: Tangy and spicy for a flavor burst.
Quick Recipe Guide
-
Bara Dough: Mix 2 cups flour, 1 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp yeast, 1 tsp sugar, salt, and water to form a soft dough. Rest for 1 hour.
-
Chickpeas: Sauté garlic and onions, add 2 cups cooked chickpeas, curry powder, cumin, and water. Simmer.
-
Assemble: Fry bara, fill with chickpeas, and top with sauces.
Quick Tamarind Sauce
Ingredients:
-
1/2 cup tamarind paste
-
1 cup water
-
1/4 cup brown sugar
-
1/2 tsp salt
-
Optional: 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, 1/4 tsp ground cumin
Instructions:
-
Combine tamarind paste, water, sugar, salt, and optional spices in a saucepan.
-
Simmer for 10-15 minutes until thickened.
-
Cool and serve.
-
Tips & Variations
-
Spice it Up: Add Scotch bonnet pepper for extra heat.
-
Top It Off: Try mango chutney or pickled cucumber for added flavor.
Engage With Us!
Did you know “doubles” refers to the two bara holding the filling? Share your doubles using #CuisineTasterDoublesChallenge – we’d love to see your creations!
