How to Freeze Paratha
When it comes to freezing paratha, you need to amend how you actually prepare them to ensure they are suitable for freezing. You should only half cook them on either side without any oil. This ensures they freeze perfectly and won’t go hard when you reheat them.
You should follow the steps below to successfully freeze your paratha:
- Allow to Cool
When you’ve half-cooked your paratha, remove it from the hob and leave it to cool on the countertop. Depending on the thickness, it will take around one hour for your paratha to cool completely. - Stack Paratha with Greaseproof Paper
If you want to freeze more than one paratha simultaneously, you should cut squares of greaseproof paper to match the size of the bread. Once they’re cool, stack them one on top of the other, with a sheet of greaseproof paper between each bread. - Place in a Freezer Bag or Container
Place your stacked parathas in a freezer-safe bag or Tupperware container, ready to freeze. Write the use-by date on the outside of the bag or box. Remember, for best results, you should use your frozen paratha within one month of freezing. - Freeze
Place the box or bag in the freezer. Some people choose to freeze them individually first and then place them in a bag after they’ve frozen initially. Either way works, but using greaseproof paper works perfectly fine and stops them from sticking together.
3 Tips for Freezing Paratha
Now you know how to freeze it, we’ve got our 3 top tips which we strongly recommend following when freezing paratha to have the best results:
- Knead Well – Some people complain that their frozen parathas turned out hard. If this happens, it’s normally because the dough has not been well enough kneaded. If you plan to freeze your parathas after preparing them, make sure you knead the dough well to stop them from becoming hard.
- Freeze Raw – Although it has been mentioned in the previous section, it’s worth repeating it here: If you wish to freeze your parathas, you mustn’t cook them fully. If you do, they will go hard when it comes to reheating them. If you’re worried about getting the time right, it’s best to err on the side of caution and undercook them, as you will be able to cook them fully when it comes to reheating them.
- Remove Excess Air – When you’re placing your stacked parathas in the freezer-safe bag, be sure to squeeze out any excess air before you transfer them to the freezer. Freezer burn can ruin the texture of your parathas, so you should protect them from any excess air if possible.
How Long Can You Freeze Paratha?
You can freeze parathas for around one month.
As has been mentioned, other sites might tell you that parathas can be frozen for a couple of months. While this is true, the texture is likely to deteriorate, and you will find that your paratha is hard when it comes to enjoying it. As such, it’s best to freeze them for only one month.
You Can Freeze Paratha for up to 1 Month
How Do You Defrost Paratha?
You should defrost paratha by removing it from the freezer the night before you intend to eat it. Place it in the fridge overnight and take it out just before cooking.
Remember, your paratha is only half-cooked, so you will need to complete the cooking process by frying it in oil or ghee for the remaining time.
We wouldn’t advise defrosting your paratha in the microwave.
Can You Refreeze Paratha?
Due to its delicate texture, we wouldn’t recommend refreezing paratha. The reason for freezing them with greaseproof paper in between is so they don’t stick together and to ensure that you can easily remove only the bread that you need for each meal.
While it’s perfectly safe to refreeze paratha that has been defrosted in the refrigerator, the end result isn’t likely to be as enjoyable when it has been fully cooked.
Do Paratha Freeze Well?
Providing you protect it from freezer burn and follow the instructions outlined here, paratha freezes extremely well. You also need to remember to knead the dough well to stop it from going hard when it comes to reheating.
It’s also vital to only half cook your paratha, as the second half of cooking takes place once it has been defrosted.
Related FAQs
If you’ve still got questions about freezing paratha or paratha in general, then these may help:
Can You Freeze Naan Bread?
Naan bread can be frozen much like paratha, although they will keep in the freezer a little longer – roughly 2 to 3 months. It’s important that you store naan in the freezer in airtight or thick freezer bags to avoid the naan drying out.
Can You Freeze Stuffed Paratha?
Stuffed paratha can also be frozen, but you need to consider the filling before you attempt to do so. They will often be stuffed with potatoes and spices, which will freezer well as will paneer.
