Can you refrigerate chapati dough overnight before baking?

Question

Learn how chapati dough holds up in the fridge and how it affects rolling and cooking.

Answer 1

Yes, you can refrigerate chapati dough overnight. This allows the gluten to relax, resulting in softer and more pliable chapatis.

Detailed Explanation:

Refrigerating chapati dough overnight is a common practice that offers several benefits. Here's a step-by-step explanation of why and how to do it:

1. Gluten Relaxation: When you mix flour and water, gluten develops. Allowing the dough to rest, especially in the refrigerator, gives the gluten time to relax. This makes the dough easier to roll out and prevents it from snapping back.
2. Hydration: Over time, the flour fully absorbs the water, leading to a more evenly hydrated dough. This results in softer chapatis.
3. Flavor Development: While the flavor change is subtle, a longer resting period can enhance the taste of the chapati.
4. Refrigeration Process: After kneading the dough, lightly oil the surface to prevent it from drying out. Place the dough in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 8 hours or up to 24 hours.
5. Before Rolling: Before rolling out the chapatis, remove the dough from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This will make it even easier to handle.

Pro Tip:

If you're short on time, even a 2-hour rest in the refrigerator will improve the texture of your chapatis compared to using the dough immediately after kneading.