Saheena Recipe | TRINBAGONIAN STREET FOOD

split peas

🥗Healthier: chickpeas

💰Cheaper: yellow lentils

Chickpeas provide similar protein content while being more widely available.

onion

🥗Healthier: shallots

💰Cheaper: leeks

Shallots add a milder flavor, while leeks are often less expensive.

green seasoning

🥗Healthier: fresh herbs

💰Cheaper: dried herbs

Fresh herbs enhance flavor without added calories, while dried herbs are budget-friendly.

oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: vegetable oil

Avocado oil is healthier, but vegetable oil is more economical.

Welcome viewers and introduce the dish as Saheena, a popular street food in Trinidad and Tobago.

Mention that this is an updated recipe for Diwali.

Discuss the ingredients needed for the recipe, including all-purpose flour, split peas or dal powder, instant yeast, turmeric powder, salt, roasted ground jeera, sugar, green seasoning, garlic, hot peppers, pimento peppers, and dashing bush leaves.

Prepare the dashing bush leaves by washing them thoroughly on both sides to remove dirt, rolling them side-by-side, cutting off hard stems, and chopping the leaves finely.

Squeeze lime or lemon juice over the chopped leaves and wash them again to reduce itchiness from oxalic acid.

Mix all dry ingredients (flour, split peas or dal powder, instant yeast, turmeric powder, salt, roasted ground jeera, sugar) in a bowl until well incorporated.

Add lukewarm water gradually to the dry ingredients to form a soft but cohesive batter, adjusting the amount based on humidity.

Incorporate the green seasoning mixture into the batter and leave it to rise for about 30 minutes.

After rising, the batter can be fried immediately or stored in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to a month.

When ready to fry, wet hands with water or oil, and form the batter into an oblong shape or any preferred shape.

Fry the formed batter in medium heat for about 8 minutes until golden brown and crispy, ensuring the dashing bush leaves are fully cooked.

After frying, place the Saheena on paper towels to drain excess oil.

Optionally, mention that Saheena can be baked at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 30 minutes or made in an air fryer.

Assemble the Saheena with various chutneys and toppings, and suggest serving it hot and crispy.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary