Can you refrigerate roti dough overnight before baking?

Question

Find out how cold storage affects roti dough’s softness, elasticity, and final cook.

Answer 1

Yes, you can refrigerate roti dough overnight. Refrigerating the dough allows the gluten to relax, resulting in softer and more pliable rotis.

Detailed Explanation:

Refrigerating roti dough overnight is a common practice that can improve the texture and flavor of your rotis. Here's why and how to do it:

1. Dough Preparation: Prepare your roti dough as usual, combining whole wheat flour (atta), water, and a little salt. You can also add a teaspoon of oil or ghee for extra softness. Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic.
2. Resting at Room Temperature: After kneading, let the dough rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour. This initial rest allows the gluten to start relaxing.
3. Refrigeration: After the initial rest, lightly oil the dough ball 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.
4. Bringing to Room Temperature: Before rolling and cooking, remove the dough from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour. This will make the dough easier to handle and roll out.
5. Rolling and Cooking: Roll out the rotis and cook them on a hot tawa (griddle) as you normally would.

Pro Tip:

If your refrigerated dough becomes too dry, lightly dampen your hands with water and knead the dough briefly before letting it rest at room temperature. This will help rehydrate the dough and improve its pliability.