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Indian flatbreads, known as parathas, are created from dough composed of wheat flour, rolled into layers, and then baked with oil or ghee on a griddle. They are adaptable and can hold a variety of ingredients, such as veggies, paneer, or potatoes.
For convenience, parathas can be kept frozen, especially on hectic days or when preparing meals in advance. To preserve their flavour, texture, and freshness, storage techniques must be followed. This includes keeping them from becoming dry, absorbing smells, or getting freezer burn, so they stay tasty and ready to eat even after being kept in storage for an extended amount of time.
Here are some effective tips that will help you store parathas for future use:
Video Credit: YouTube/ Food Fusion
1. Cook Parathas:
The first move is cooking parathas, because this ensures that the paratha is well cooked and ready for eating. Although this is no less a significant step, it also seals the edges of stuffed parathas, thereby preventing the filling from leaking while storing or reheating them.
The cooked paratha makes it softer and more fluffy in texture. This prevents the parathas from becoming soggy or uncooked when reheated later.
2. Cool Completely:
After cooking the parathas properly, it is very important to cool them evenly before storing them. It is crucial because otherwise, it might lead to condensation and the stored parathas might get soggy and mushy. This step also helps them to maintain their texture and also prevents them from being sticky or clumping together when they are stored together for a long time.
3. Wrap Individually:
For long-term storage, it is essential to wrap parathas individually before proceeding with any other step. This forms a protective barrier that keeps the parathas from drying out and collecting moisture or smells from the surrounding area. This ensures that each paratha stays tasty and ready to eat when thawed or reheated by preserving the parathas' freshness, texture, and flavour over time. It is also simpler to remove and use just the amount needed without having to thaw the entire batch when the ingredients are individually wrapped.
4. Choosing the Right Wrap:
Choosing the right wrap, such as aluminium foil or plastic wrap, is crucial for keeping parathas fresh for a long time. These wraps create a barrier that prevents air and moisture from reaching the parathas, which helps maintain their softness and prevents them from drying out or becoming stale. Additionally, the right wrap ensures that the flavours of the parathas are preserved, allowing you to enjoy their delicious taste even after storing them for a longer duration.
5. Refrigerating:
In order to keep parathas fresh and prevent them from spoiling, they should be refrigerated. The parathas' shelf life is prolonged by the refrigerator's cool temperature or freezing, which inhibits the formation of mould and germs. Refrigeration also keeps the parathas' moisture content intact, preventing them from going stale and dry. Because of this, the parathas stay soft and tasty for a long time, so they're safe to consume even a few days later.
6. Thawing and Reheating:
When storing parathas for an extended period of time, thawing and reheating them are crucial processes that help to preserve their texture, flavour, and freshness. The parathas are easier to reheat uniformly when they have had time to thaw and restore their softness and elasticity. Reheating guarantees that the parathas are thoroughly warmed, improving their flavour and making them more pleasurable to consume. The parathas are given new life and quality through this technique, making for a filling meal.
