Taste Of The Caribbean: Trinidad Doubles
Welcome to the vibrant world of Trinidad doubles! Get ready to indulge your taste buds and dive headfirst into the rich, flavorful culture of this Caribbean gem. From the moment you take your first bite of doubles, the famous street food that puts this island on the culinary map, you’ll be transported to a world where food is an expression of love, joy, and community.
Join us as we unravel the secrets behind the delectable doubles, discover the fascinating history behind this beloved delicacy, and immerse ourselves in the colourful tapestry of Trinidadian culture. Prepare to embark on a mouthwatering adventure that will leave you craving for more as we explore the tantalizing flavours, vibrant traditions, and infectious energy that make the culture of Trinidad doubles so captivating. So strap on your seatbelts, tighten your aprons, and get ready to savour every mouthful of this irresistible journey into the heart and soul of Trinidadian cuisine.
Trinidad Doubles: A Street Food Classic
When it comes to Trinidadian cuisine, there’s one street food that everyone knows and loves – doubles! Doubles are essentially sandwiches made with two pieces of fried dough called bara that are filled with a delicious curry channa (chickpea) filling and topped with a variety of chutneys and hot pepper sauce.
The origin of Trinidad doubles can be traced back to the early 20th century when Indo-Trinidadian street vendors began creating cheap and filling snacks to sell to the working class. The bara used in doubles are traditionally made with flour, baking powder, turmeric, and salt, then fried until golden and fluffy. The channa filling includes curry spices, garlic, onions, and chili peppers, giving it a flavorful kick that pairs perfectly with the sweet and tangy tamarind chutney and spicy hot pepper sauce.
The Origins of Trinidad Doubles
Doubles originated in Trinidad and Tobago in the 1940s and 1950s when street vendors would sell them to workers who needed something hearty and filling to eat for breakfast. The dish is made up of two bara (flatbread) that are filled with curried chana (chickpeas) and topped with various condiments like tamarind sauce, pepper sauce, and cucumber, to create a unique flavor profile that’s hard to resist.
Over the years, doubles have become a staple of Trinidadian cuisine, and their popularity has spread throughout the Caribbean and beyond. The dish is so beloved that there’s even a National Doubles Day in Trinidad and Tobago!
Trinidad Doubles Recipe
Ingredients:
For the bara:
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1½ tsp instant yeast
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 tsp sugar
– 1½ cups lukewarm water
For the filling:
– 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
– 2 tbsp oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 tbsp curry powder
– Salt to taste
For the toppings:
– Tamarind sauce
– Pepper sauce
– Cucumber slices
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, instant yeast, salt, and sugar.
2. Add the lukewarm water and mix until a smooth dough forms.
3. Cover the dough and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.
4. In the meantime, prepare the filling. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
5. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until they are soft and golden brown.
6. Add the chickpeas and curry powder and cook for a few minutes, adding salt to taste.
7. Roll out the dough into small circles approximately 4 inches in diameter.
8. Fry the dough circles in hot oil until they are golden brown on both sides.
9. To assemble the doubles, place a spoonful of the chana filling onto one of the fried dough circles, then top it with another fried dough circle.
10. Add tamarind sauce, pepper sauce, and cucumber slices to taste.
11. Enjoy!
Conclusion
Trinidad doubles are more than just a popular street food – they’re a cultural icon that represents the fusion of Indian and African traditions in Trinidad and Tobago. With this recipe, you can make doubles at home and experience the delicious flavors and unique culture of this beloved Caribbean staple. So what are you waiting for? Give doubles a try and share your experience with your friends and family. And don’t forget to come back and tell us what you thought of this recipe!
