Healthier variation of Trinidadian (fry) bake- baked not fried

We all have childhood favourite dishes that we love very much and associate with comfort food. Some times, unfortunately, they are not the healthiest things around. Trinidadian fry bake is Naz's childhood favourite. Anjalie really enjoys them too. Unfortunately, it involves frying the bread dough which, naturally, is not very healthy. I have been looking and experimenting for a recipe that involves baking them instead of frying and still be able to achieve the same soft texture. The trouble is that the same recipe cannot be used to bake. It involves using baking powder, so, baking the dough will result in biscuits. Secondly, I have previously tried yeast instead of baking powder, but, could not get the pocket in the centre which we get when the dough puffs up during frying. I finally figured out the perfect recipe that gives the replica of "fried" bake, i.e., it is soft and has a pocket in the middle to scoop up tomato choka or to put butter and cheese in. But this version is  just healthier having been baked in the oven instead of frying. It only requires very little oil/butter. When I finally served them today, both Naz & Anjalie could not believe that they were not fried. Naz kept on going about how it tastes really great! Just what I wanted to hear :D So, I guess, from now on Trinidad bakes are going to be one of the regular dishes in our home. Again, this goes to show that Healthy food choices does not necessarily mean missing out on our childhood favourites. So without further ado...here is the recipe.

You will need:
2.5 cups all purpose/plain flour (not bread flour)
1 tsp instant dried yeast yeast
1 tsp salt (or to taste)
1 to 1.5 cups lukewarm water (use as required)
1/2 tbsp oil/butter

In a large mixing bowl, add and mix all the dry ingredients. Add little bit water at a time to mix a moist bread dough. Turn on a very lightly floured surface and knead (trying not to use too much flour) for 5-7 mins until smooth. You need not knead for long like you would do for baking bread. Cover and leave to rise for 1.5 hrs.

When ready, roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface into a circle that is 1/4 inch thick. Lightly brush the entire dough with water and fold the circle in half to form a semi circle. Cut the dough into squares, rectangle and triangles (or any other shape you like) approximately 3-4 inches long. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius (fan assisted) and bake in the middle tray for 10-12 mins or until brown and cooked thoroughly. Serve warm with tomato choka.


Sending this to Swathi's Favorite Recipes–Eggless Baking–sweet or savory event hosted by Sowmya 



and to June 2013 edition of Priya's Healthy Me and Healthy US event hosted by Sizzling Tastebuds Kalyani