What are best practices for storing roti dough overnight?

Question

What are the best practices for storing roti dough overnight? Learn how to keep your chapati dough soft and pliable for the next day.

Answer 1

The best way to store roti dough overnight is to lightly oil it, place it in an airtight container or ziplock bag, and refrigerate it. This prevents drying and allows the gluten to relax, resulting in softer rotis.

Detailed Explanation:

Storing roti dough properly overnight is crucial for achieving soft and pliable rotis. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Lightly Oil the Dough: After kneading the dough, apply a thin layer of oil (vegetable, canola, or olive oil works well) all over its surface. This prevents the dough from drying out and forming a hard crust.

2. Choose the Right Container: Place the oiled dough in an airtight container or a ziplock bag. Make sure the container is large enough to accommodate the dough as it might slightly expand during refrigeration.

3. Refrigerate Immediately: Store the container in the refrigerator. The cold temperature slows down the fermentation process and prevents the dough from over-proofing.

4. Bring to Room Temperature Before Use: Before rolling out the rotis, take the dough out of the refrigerator about 30-60 minutes beforehand. This allows the dough to warm up slightly, making it more pliable and easier to roll.

Pro Tip:

Avoid adding too much oil to the dough before refrigerating, as it can make the rotis greasy. A light coating is sufficient to prevent drying.