Can you refrigerate paratha dough overnight before baking?

Question

Find out how refrigeration affects paratha dough and whether it stays soft and rollable.

Answer 1

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

Detailed Explanation:

Refrigerating paratha dough overnight is a common practice that can improve the texture of the final product. Here's why and how to do it:

1. Dough Preparation: Prepare your paratha dough as usual, combining flour (typically atta), water, salt, and oil or ghee. Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic.
2. Resting at Room Temperature (Optional): You can let the dough rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes before refrigerating. This allows initial gluten development.
3. Refrigeration: After kneading, 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 2 hours, but preferably overnight (8-12 hours). You can refrigerate it for up to 24 hours.
4. Bringing to Room Temperature: Before rolling out the parathas, remove the dough from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30-60 minutes. This will make the dough more pliable and easier to roll.
5. Rolling and Cooking: Proceed with rolling out and cooking your parathas as you normally would.

Pro Tip:

When refrigerating dough, ensure your container is airtight or the dough is well-wrapped. This prevents the dough from drying out and forming a hard crust on the surface, which can affect the final texture of your paratha.