Trinidadian Curry Chicken Roti

Ingredients

• 1 cup yellow split peas
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin, toasted
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 cup warm water
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, plus more for cooking
• 1 1/2 lbs bone-in chicken thighs, cut into pieces
• 3 tablespoons curry powder
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 scotch bonnet pepper, whole
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 cups water
• 1 medium potato, cubed

Before you cook

• Soak the split peas in water for 4 hours, then drain.
• Cut the chicken into pieces and toss it with 1 tablespoon of the curry powder to marinate for 20 minutes.

Steps

1. Boil the split peas with the turmeric in 5 cups water for 20 minutes, until tender, then drain well.
2. Grind the drained peas with the toasted cumin and salt until finely ground and slightly sticky.
3. Whisk the flour and baking powder together, then stir in the warm water and 2 tablespoons oil to form a soft dough.
4. Knead the dough for 5 minutes, then divide it into 4 balls and let them rest, covered, for 20 minutes.
5. Flatten each ball into a wide disc, spoon a quarter of the split pea filling into the center, and pull the edges up to seal it inside.
6. Roll the filled ball out gently into a thin, wide flatbread, being careful not to tear it.
7. Cook each dhalpuri on a hot, lightly greased griddle for 2 minutes per side, until lightly browned in spots.
8. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large pot over medium-high heat and fry the remaining 2 tablespoons curry powder for 1 minute, until fragrant.
9. Add the marinated chicken and brown it on all sides for 5 minutes.
10. Stir in the onion, garlic, whole scotch bonnet and thyme and cook for 3 minutes.
11. Pour in the 2 cups water, add the potato, and bring to a boil.
12. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for 30 minutes, until the chicken is tender and the sauce has thickened.
13. Remove and discard the scotch bonnet before serving.
14. Spoon the curry chicken onto a warm dhalpuri and fold it around the filling to eat.