Terumi Morita
June 12, 2026·Recipes

Doubles (Trinidadian Chickpea Flatbread)

Doubles are a beloved Trinidadian street snack featuring spiced chickpeas between soft turmeric flatbreads.

Contents (2 sections)
A watercolor illustration of Doubles, showcasing curried chickpeas sandwiched between two golden flatbreads.
RecipeTrinidadian
Prep20m
Cook15m
Serves4 portions
LevelMedium

Ingredients

  • 250 g chickpeas, soaked and cooked
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp cumin powder
  • 1 tsp coriander powder
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • Salt to taste
  • 500 g all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder (for dough)
  • 1 tsp salt (for dough)
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 300 ml water (for dough)
  • Vegetable oil (for frying)
  • Tamarind sauce, to taste
  • Pepper sauce, to taste

Steps

  1. In a pan, heat 1 tbsp of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent.

  2. Stir in minced garlic, cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, and salt. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to release the spices' aromas.

  3. Add the cooked chickpeas to the pan and mix well. Cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Set aside.

  4. In a large bowl, combine all-purpose flour, turmeric, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add water until a soft dough forms. Let it rest for 10 minutes.

  5. Divide the dough into equal portions and roll each into a ball. Flatten each ball into a circle about 1/4 inch thick.

  6. In a deep pan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Fry each flatbread for about 2-3 minutes per side until golden and puffed. Drain on paper towels.

  7. To assemble, spoon the chickpea mixture between two pieces of fried flatbread. Drizzle with tamarind and pepper sauces before serving.

Why this works

The key to perfect Doubles lies in the combination of flavors and textures. The chickpeas are infused with spices, creating a rich and savory filling that pairs wonderfully with the soft, slightly chewy flatbreads. The use of turmeric in both the chickpeas and the flatbread adds a warm flavor and a golden hue to the dish. Frying the flatbreads provides a crispy exterior while maintaining a soft interior, essential for holding the filling. If the dough seems too dry, add a bit more water until it reaches the right consistency. Additionally, allowing the chickpeas to simmer allows the spices to develop fully; if they're not adequately cooked, the flavors may be muted. This versatile street snack can be modified with various toppings, making it a favorite for breakfast or any time of the day.