Can you refrigerate roti dough overnight before baking?

Question

See how overnight refrigeration affects roti dough texture, rolling, and cooking.

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 a step-by-step explanation of why and how to do it:

1. Prepare the Dough: Make your roti dough as you normally would, using flour (typically whole wheat atta), water, and a little salt. Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic.
2. Rest at Room Temperature (Optional): You can let the dough rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes before refrigerating. This initial rest allows the gluten to start relaxing.
3. Oil the Dough: Lightly coat the dough ball with oil. This prevents it from drying out in the refrigerator.
4. Wrap the Dough: Wrap the oiled dough tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. This will further prevent it from drying out and absorbing odors from the refrigerator.
5. Refrigerate: Place the wrapped dough in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours or overnight. You can refrigerate it for up to 24 hours.
6. Bring to Room Temperature: Before rolling and cooking the rotis, 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.
7. Roll and Cook: Proceed with rolling and cooking the rotis as usual.

Pro Tip:

When refrigerating dough, ensure your container or wrapping is airtight. Dough can dry out quickly in the refrigerator, leading to cracks and difficulty in rolling. A well-sealed container or tightly wrapped dough will retain moisture and result in better rotis.