I love paratha! There’s something about the flaky layers and the rich, buttery taste that makes it one of my favorite Indian breads. And what’s even better is that you can make a big batch of parathas and store them for later. But when it comes to reheating parathas, things can get a little tricky. If you’re not careful, you can end up with a chewy and rubbery mess. But fear not! I have some quick and easy tips that will help you reheat paratha in the microwave and enjoy it just as fresh as when it came out of the pan.
Why choose the microwave?
The microwave is a quick and convenient way to reheat parathas. Unlike the stovetop or oven, it doesn’t require any additional oil or butter, which means you can cut down on the calories and fat content. Plus, the microwave heats food evenly, so you don’t have to worry about one side of the paratha becoming crisp while the other stays soft.
Prep your parathas
Before you even think about reheating your parathas, you need to make sure they are properly stored. You can freeze your parathas by placing them in an airtight container or zip-lock bag. If you’re planning to use them within a day or two, you can simply store them in the refrigerator.
1. Thawing frozen parathas
If you’re reheating frozen parathas, the first step is to thaw them. You can do this by taking the parathas out of the freezer and leaving them at room temperature for about 30 minutes. If you’re short on time, you can use the defrost function on your microwave for a few seconds until the parathas soften.
2. Reheating refrigerated parathas
If you’re reheating parathas that were stored in the refrigerator, they are already soft and pliable. You can skip the thawing step and go straight to reheating.
The reheating process
Now that your parathas are ready for reheating, it’s time to fire up the microwave. Follow these simple steps to ensure your parathas come out warm and delicious:
1. Moisture is key
To prevent your parathas from drying out in the microwave, it’s important to add a little moisture. Take a damp paper towel and place it over the parathas. This will create steam, which will keep the bread soft and prevent it from becoming tough or chewy.
2. Cover and zap
Next, cover the parathas with a microwave-safe plate or microwave-safe lid. This will help trap the steam and ensure even heating. Set your microwave to medium-high heat and zap the parathas for about 30 to 45 seconds. Keep a close eye on them, as microwave cooking times can vary.
3. Flip and repeat
After the initial zap, carefully remove the plate or lid and flip the parathas over. This will help ensure even heating on both sides. Cover them again and microwave for another 30 to 45 seconds.
Some additional tips
Now that you know the basic steps to reheat parathas in the microwave, here are a few additional tips to help you achieve the perfect reheated paratha:
– If you prefer a crispy texture, you can skip the damp paper towel and heat the parathas directly on a microwave-safe plate. Just be aware that this may result in a slightly drier paratha.
– To add some extra flavor, you can brush the parathas with a little melted butter or ghee before reheating.
– If you’re reheating multiple parathas at once, make sure to spread them out evenly on the plate, so they heat up uniformly.
– Lastly, be cautious of overheating. It’s better to undercook slightly and check the texture than to end up with a rock-hard paratha.
Enjoy your reheated parathas
With these quick and easy tips, you can enjoy your parathas whenever the craving hits, whether it’s for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. So go ahead, make a big batch of parathas, store them, and reheat them perfectly in the microwave. Now you can savor the flavors of fresh parathas without the hassle. Happy eating!