1. Make the Bara Dough:
In a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, salt, turmeric, and cumin. Slowly pour in the warm water while mixing on medium-low speed, until the dough comes together. Continue kneading for 4 - 5 minutes until smooth and slightly sticky.
Transfer to a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and leave to rise in a warm place for 1 to 1½ hours, or until doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Prawn Curry:
While the dough rises, heat the oil in a deep sauté pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and pepper, cooking for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic, spring onion, and spices. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the tomato purée, cook for 1 minute more, then stir in the coconut milk, water, and thyme. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
Add the prawns and cook for a further 5 minutes until pink and cooked through. Season to taste. Set aside and gently reheat before serving.
3. Make the Cucumber Chutney:
Place the grated cucumber in a sieve over a bowl. Sprinkle with salt and let sit for 5 minutes. Press with the back of a spoon to squeeze out excess moisture.
In a mini food processor, blitz the coriander, lime juice, garlic, chilli, and water to a paste. Stir into the cucumber and chill until ready to serve.
4. Fry the Baras:
Pour vegetable oil into a wide, deep pan to about 2cm deep. Heat to 180°C (or until a small piece of dough sizzles immediately).
Turn the risen dough out onto a floured surface and divide into 12 balls. Lightly grease your hands and flatten each into a round about 13 - 14cm wide.
Working in batches, carefully lower two rounds into the hot oil. Fry for 15 seconds, flip, and fry another 15 seconds, until puffed, golden, and cooked through. Transfer to a tray lined with kitchen paper. Repeat with the remaining dough.
Cover with foil and let rest for 5 minutes - the texture should be soft, pillowy, and slightly chewy.
5. Serve:
Reheat the prawn curry if needed. Spoon generous helpings onto each bara and top with a dollop of spicy cucumber chutney. Serve immediately and enjoy a burst of Caribbean flavour with every bite.
