Can you refrigerate paratha dough overnight before baking?

Question

See how cold storage changes paratha dough’s texture, softness, and ease of rolling.

Answer 1

Yes, you can refrigerate paratha dough overnight. This allows the gluten to relax, resulting in a softer and more pliable dough that's easier to roll out and produces a flakier paratha.

Detailed Explanation:

Refrigerating paratha dough overnight is a common and beneficial practice. Here's why it works:

1. Gluten Relaxation: When dough is mixed, gluten develops, making it elastic. Refrigeration slows down this process, allowing the gluten to relax. This makes the dough less likely to snap back when you roll it out, resulting in thinner and more even parathas.
2. Improved Texture: The cold temperature also helps to hydrate the flour more evenly, leading to a softer and more tender final product.
3. Flavor Development: While not as significant as with some other doughs, a longer resting period can subtly enhance the flavor of the paratha.
4. How to Refrigerate: After kneading the dough, lightly oil it, place it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours.
5. Before Rolling: Before rolling out the parathas, remove the dough from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour. This will make it even easier to handle.

Pro Tip:

If you're short on time, even a 2-hour refrigeration period will improve the dough's texture compared to using it immediately. However, avoid refrigerating for longer than 24 hours, as the dough may start to dry out or develop an undesirable flavor.