A casserole is an essential kitchen tool used to keep food warm, making it convenient for everyday life. Whether it's keeping rotis, rice, or vegetables fresh, casseroles are known for their heat-retaining properties.
Video Credits: Shirin Bargir's kitchen/ YouTube
In India, most people love the taste of soft, freshly made chapati straight from the pan. However, with busy schedules, many prefer to prepare rotis in advance and store them for later. In such cases, keeping rotis soft in a casserole for a longer period can be challenging.
But don’t worry. By incorporating a few simple techniques listed in this article into your daily routine, you can ensure your rotis remain soft and moisture-free in casserole.
Five Simple Tips To Remember
Pre-Warm The Casserole
The first tip to remember before placing rotis inside the casserole is to pre-warm the container. This is important because a cold casserole can easily draw heat away from the rotis, making them dry quickly.
To pre-warm it, simply pour some hot water into the casserole and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, pour out the water and wipe the casserole dry with a cloth. This technique ensures the casserole stays warm when you place the rotis inside, keeping them soft for a longer time.
Wrap Rotis In Cotton Cloth
The second-best way to keep your rotis soft in the casserole is to wrap them in a clean cotton cloth. The properties of cotton help to absorb any excess moisture, which prevents the rotis from getting soggy. Additionally, the cloth helps retain the steam, keeping the rotis soft. However, it is essential to ensure that the cloth is completely dry before using it to wrap the rotis, as a damp cloth can cause the rotis to become wet and lose their texture.
Image Credits: Freepik
Avoid Placing Hot Rotis Straight Into The Casserole
It is very satisfying to place freshly made, hot rotis straight into the casserole, but it is important to know this can trap too much steam inside, making the rotis soggy. To solve this issue, let the rotis cool slightly for about 30 seconds to 1 minute before transferring them into the casserole. This allows excess steam to escape and reduces the chance of moisture building up inside the container.
Image Credits: Freepik
Place Parchment Paper Between Rotis
If you are stacking multiple rotis together, placing parchment paper between each one is a great way to prevent them from sticking to each other. Parchment paper creates a barrier that allows air circulation, which helps reduce moisture and keeps each roti separate and soft.
Image Credits: Freepik
Avoid Over-stacking The Casserole
Another important tip is to avoid over-stacking the casserole with too many rotis at once. When too many rotis are piled on top of each other, the weight can cause them to stick together and trap moisture, leading to a soggy texture. It’s better to store fewer rotis in the casserole at one time or use a bigger casserole to ensure proper air circulation between the layers.