Doubles is a beloved street food from Trinidad and Tobago, consisting of two pieces of soft, fried flatbread known as "bara," filled with flavorful curried chickpeas (channa). This dish is often garnished with various chutneys and pepper sauce, making it a delightful blend of spicy, tangy, and savory flavors. Doubles is typically enjoyed as a breakfast item or a quick snack.

Doubles originated in the early 20th century within the Indian community in Trinidad and Tobago. It was created by the descendants of indentured laborers from India, who adapted their traditional recipes to local ingredients and tastes. The dish quickly gained popularity due to its affordability, portability, and deliciousness. Today, doubles are a staple of Trinidadian cuisine and a symbol of the country’s rich cultural fusion.

Ingredients:

For the Bara (Fried Bread):

- 2 cups all-purpose flour

- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast

- 1 teaspoon sugar

- 1/2 teaspoon salt

- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric

- 3/4 cup warm water (approximately)

- Vegetable oil for frying

For the Channa (Curried Chickpeas):

- 2 cups canned chickpeas (drained and rinsed)

- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

- 1 medium onion, finely chopped

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric

- 1 teaspoon ground cumin

- 1 teaspoon curry powder

- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander

- Salt to taste

- 1 cup water

- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Preparation:

Prepare the Bara:

  - In a large bowl, mix the flour, yeast, sugar, salt, and turmeric.

  - Gradually add warm water to form a soft dough. Knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth.

  - Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise for about 1 hour, until doubled in size.

  - Divide the dough into small balls (about the size of a golf ball). Flatten each ball into a thin circle.

  - Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat. Fry the dough circles until they are golden and puffy, about 1-2 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.

Prepare the Channa:

  - Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until golden brown.

  - Add the minced garlic, turmeric, cumin, curry powder, and coriander. Stir for about 1 minute until fragrant.

  - Add the chickpeas and salt, mixing well to coat the chickpeas with the spices.

  - Pour in the water, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, until the sauce thickens and the chickpeas are tender.

  - Use a fork to slightly mash some of the chickpeas for a thicker consistency. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Assemble the Doubles:

  - Place one piece of bara on a plate, spoon a generous amount of channa on top, and cover with another piece of bara.

  - Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve hot. Optionally, add chutneys and pepper sauce for extra flavor.

Enjoy your homemade doubles!

Nutrition Value:

For the Bara (Fried Bread):

2 Cups All-Purpose Flour

- Calories: 910 kcal

- Carbohydrates: 190g

- Protein: 24g

- Fat: 2g

- Sodium: 2mg

- Cholesterol: 0mg

- Vitamins: Small amounts of B vitamins (Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Folate)

- Minerals: Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Zinc

Benefit: All-purpose flour provides energy through carbohydrates and some protein. It also contributes essential minerals like iron, which is important for oxygen transport in the blood.

1 Teaspoon Active Dry Yeast

- Calories: 11 kcal

- Carbohydrates: 1.8g

- Protein: 1.6g

- Fat: 0.1g

- Sodium: 4mg

- Cholesterol: 0mg

- Vitamins: B Vitamins (especially B1, B2, B3, B6, Folate)

- Minerals: Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Zinc

Benefit: Yeast is a good source of B vitamins, which are essential for energy production and brain function. It also contains protein and essential minerals.

1 Teaspoon Sugar

- Calories: 16 kcal

- Carbohydrates: 4g

- Protein: 0g

- Fat: 0g

- Sodium: 0mg

- Cholesterol: 0mg

- Vitamins: None

- Minerals: None

Benefit: Sugar provides a quick source of energy but should be consumed in moderation.

1/2 Teaspoon Salt

- Calories: 0 kcal

- Carbohydrates: 0g

- Protein: 0g

- Fat: 0g

- Sodium: 1,150mg

- Cholesterol: 0mg

- Vitamins: None

- Minerals: Sodium, Chloride

Benefit: Salt is crucial for maintaining fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contractions. However, it should be used sparingly to avoid excessive sodium intake.

1/2 Teaspoon Ground Turmeric

- Calories: 8 kcal

- Carbohydrates: 1.4g

- Protein: 0.2g

- Fat: 0.2g

- Sodium: 1mg

- Cholesterol: 0mg

- Vitamins: Vitamin C, Vitamin B6

- Minerals: Iron, Potassium, Manganese

Benefit: Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, primarily due to its active compound, curcumin. It supports immune function and has various health benefits.

3/4 Cup Warm Water (Approximately)

- Calories: 0 kcal

- Carbohydrates: 0g

- Protein: 0g

- Fat: 0g

- Sodium: 0mg

- Cholesterol: 0mg

- Vitamins: None

- Minerals: None

Benefit: Water is essential for all bodily functions, including hydration, digestion, and nutrient transport.

Vegetable Oil for Frying (1/2 cup estimated)

- Calories: 960 kcal (based on 1/2 cup)

- Carbohydrates: 0g

- Protein: 0g

- Fat: 110g

- Sodium: 0mg

- Cholesterol: 0mg

- Vitamins: Vitamin E

- Minerals: None

Benefit: Vegetable oil provides a source of essential fatty acids and vitamin E, which is an antioxidant. However, it is high in calories and should be used in moderation to avoid excessive fat intake.

Total Nutritional Summary (Approximate for Bara Preparation):

- Calories: 1,905 kcal

- Carbohydrates: 196.8g

- Protein: 25.8g

- Fat: 112.3g

- Sodium: 1,157mg

- Cholesterol: 0mg

Note:

The nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on specific brands and preparation methods. Additionally, the total calories from vegetable oil assume a typical amount absorbed during frying and may vary.

For the Channa (Curried Chickpeas):

1. 2 Cups Canned Chickpeas (Drained and Rinsed)

- Calories: 390 kcal

- Carbohydrates: 68g

- Protein: 20g

- Fat: 6g

- Sodium: 30mg

- Cholesterol: 0mg

- Vitamins: Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Folate

- Minerals: Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Zinc

Benefit: Chickpeas are an excellent source of plant-based protein and fiber, which helps with digestion and satiety. They also provide essential minerals and vitamins, supporting overall health.

1 Tablespoon Vegetable Oil

- Calories: 120 kcal

- Carbohydrates: 0g

- Protein: 0g

- Fat: 14g

- Sodium: 0mg

- Cholesterol: 0mg

- Vitamins: Vitamin E

- Minerals: None

Benefit: Vegetable oil contains healthy unsaturated fats, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health and inflammation reduction. However, it is high in calories and should be used in moderation.

1 Medium Onion, Finely Chopped

- Calories: 44 kcal

- Carbohydrates: 10g

- Protein: 1g

- Fat: 0g

- Sodium: 2mg

- Cholesterol: 0mg

- Vitamins: Vitamin C, Vitamin B6

- Minerals: Potassium, Phosphorus

Benefit: Onions are rich in antioxidants and contain compounds that may help reduce inflammation, boost immune function, and support heart health.

2 Cloves Garlic, Minced

- Calories: 8 kcal

- Carbohydrates: 2g

- Protein: 0g

- Fat: 0g

- Sodium: 1mg

- Cholesterol: 0mg

- Vitamins: Vitamin C, Vitamin B6

- Minerals: Manganese, Selenium

Benefit: Garlic is known for its medicinal properties, including immune-boosting, antibacterial, and antifungal effects. It also contains antioxidants that may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

1 Teaspoon Ground Turmeric

(Refer to previous entry)

1 Teaspoon Ground Cumin

- Calories: 8 kcal

- Carbohydrates: 1g

- Protein: 0g

- Fat: 0g

- Sodium: 4mg

- Cholesterol: 0mg

- Vitamins: Vitamin C, Vitamin K

- Minerals: Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium

Benefit: Cumin is rich in antioxidants and may aid digestion, improve blood sugar control, and promote weight loss.

1 Teaspoon Curry Powder

- Calories: 8 kcal

- Carbohydrates: 1.5g

- Protein: 0.4g

- Fat: 0.3g

- Sodium: 1mg

- Cholesterol: 0mg

- Vitamins: Vitamin C

- Minerals: Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium

Benefit: Curry powder is a blend of various spices, including turmeric, cumin, coriander, and fenugreek, providing a mix of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

1/2 Teaspoon Ground Coriander

- Calories: 5 kcal

- Carbohydrates: 1g

- Protein: 0g

- Fat: 0g

- Sodium: 1mg

- Cholesterol: 0mg

- Vitamins: Vitamin C

- Minerals: Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium

Benefit: Coriander adds flavor and aroma to dishes and provides small amounts of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

Salt to Taste

(Refer to previous entry)

1 Cup Water

(Refer to previous entry)

Fresh Cilantro, Chopped (for Garnish)

- Calories: 1 kcal

- Carbohydrates: 0.1g

- Protein: 0.1g

- Fat: 0g

- Sodium: 1mg

- Cholesterol: 0mg

- Vitamins: Vitamin K, Vitamin A, Vitamin C

- Minerals: Potassium, Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium

Benefit: Cilantro is rich in antioxidants and may help lower blood sugar levels, reduce inflammation, and promote digestion.

Total Nutritional Summary (Approximate for Channa Preparation):

- Calories: 584 kcal

- Carbohydrates: 83.6g

- Protein: 21.5g

- Fat: 20g

- Sodium: 40mg

- Cholesterol: 0mg

Note:

The nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on specific brands and preparation methods.