Yes, millet-based rotis can be prepped and frozen for school lunches. Freeze them individually wrapped to prevent sticking and maintain freshness.
Detailed Explanation:
Freezing millet rotis for school lunches is a convenient way to save time during busy mornings. Here's a step-by-step guide to ensure they freeze and thaw well:
- Prepare the Rotis: Cook the millet rotis as you normally would. Ensure they are fully cooked but still soft and pliable. Overcooking can make them brittle after thawing.
- Cool Completely: Allow the rotis to cool completely to room temperature. This prevents condensation from forming when frozen, which can lead to soggy rotis upon thawing.
- Wrap Individually: Wrap each roti individually in plastic wrap or parchment paper. This prevents them from sticking together in the freezer and makes it easier to pack only the required number for lunch.
- Place in a Freezer Bag: Place the wrapped rotis in a freezer-safe bag or container. This provides an extra layer of protection against freezer burn.
- Label and Freeze: Label the bag with the date and contents. Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
- Thawing: To thaw, remove the desired number of rotis from the freezer and allow them to thaw at room temperature for about 30-60 minutes, or overnight in the refrigerator.
- Reheating (Optional): If desired, you can reheat the thawed rotis on a warm skillet or in the microwave for a few seconds to restore their softness.
Pro Tip:
To prevent millet rotis from becoming dry after thawing, lightly brush them with ghee or oil before wrapping them for freezing. This helps retain moisture and improves their texture after thawing.