Trini Eats

Hello again folks! After all the talk of curry and doubles, today I’m going to continue with another favourite and well known staple in Trinidad and the Caribbean; roti. Roti is a type of unleavened bread which is quite popular throughout the world as it has many names in various cultures. For example, the idea of roti includes the likes of Indian breads such as chapatti and naan. You may also be familiar with flatbread and pita bread which are all typically made with flour, water and sometimes oil and salt. However, as it’s based on East Indian culture and culinary traditions, roti is usually eaten with various vegetarian and meat sides. Here are two basic yet popular approaches, all of which are distinct variations on the theme of bread and curried foods. ·          Wrapped roti/Dhalpouri - a thin roti that is filled with dhal or split peas mixed with savoury seasonings such as chadon beni, chive, pimento peppers and geera. When bought, it is usually sold folded around a c

Curried chicken! It’s safe to say it’s everyone’s favorite; am I right or am I right? That scrumptious blend of spices and local herbs makes for a true Trini meal you can have at home, at the beach or that relaxing river lime. Personally, curry is one of my all-time preferred meals to have; whether it’s with white rice and dhal, any kind of roti, or even provisions. CURRY IS LIFE. Below is a recipe for curried chicken that my mom uses which wins me over every time. At home, we use the Chief Brand of spices for our curry dishes. This brand packs a great punch of freshly roasted and ground spices. When travelling through Charlieville on the Sir Solomon Hochoy Highway, the Chief Brand factory can literally be smelt from a distance. The scent of roasted masala and other spices permeate the air and you instantly think of where to purchase a mouthwatering chicken roti. So read on for the recipe…while I go get me some curry! Enjoy! Trinidadian style curried chicken

Doubles…culturally it’s a Trinidadian staple made with curried chick peas called “channa” and is served on two pieces of fried flat bread called a “bara”. Alongside the doubles, vendors add different sweet and spicy condiments such as grated cucumber chow, various levels of hot sauce, chutneys or even “kuchela” (relish made with mango and amchar spices). The list is almost endless! Relatively cheap and served simply on wax paper, doubles has become a well-known street food over the years that can be eaten any time of day, with many people making it a breakfast choice or an after party meal. It’s especially a favourite among foreign visitors who can easily get this savoury dish at the food court, as soon as they land at the Piarco International Airport. Despite it being a sloppy feat, doubles is a meal of champions! Not only known for their different blends of curry powders and spice mixes, Chief Brand Products recently developed a bara mix for doubles. Prior to this, anyone daring