Frequently Asked Questions   Can I store this Paneer Biryani? Yes, absolutely you can. When completely cooled, transfer this delicious Paneer Biryani to an air-tight container and store it in a refrigerator. When required to serve, reheat it in the microwave and serve it hot. To reheat - Transfer the Paneer Biryani to a microwavable dish and sprinkle some water all over. Also, add ½ teaspoon of oil and slide it into the microwave. Heat the biryani until warmed through. Garnish it with fried cashews and raisins, and serve!   Can I use frozen veggies for this recipe? Frozen veggies tend to lose their texture soon and turn mushy, so I will not recommend you to use them for this recipe. Please use fresh veggies for the best results when preparing this delicious recipe.   Can I skip using garlic? Although garlic lends a ton of unique flavor to the recipe, skipping it will not harm it. So, if you do not prefer adding it to your Paneer Biryani, please omit it.   Is the cooking time for all the rice the same? No, this is not true. The cooking time and water ratio vary depending on the type of rice. For example, basmati rice and brown rice have different cooking times.   Why does my rice turn out mushy? Extra water in the rice makes the rice mushy. To avoid your rice getting sticky and mushy, follow the water-rice ratio mentioned in the recipe instructions. Also, avoid fluffing the rice immediately after uncovering it. You must wait 4 – 5 minutes to allow the excess moisture to evaporate, then fluff them with a fork.   Why do I get a BURN message on my Instant Pot? When sautéing the onions and veggies, the bits and pieces may get stuck at the bottom of the insert pan, triggering the BURN message. The solution to avoid this is to deglaze the pan by adding a few drops of water when you finish sautéing.   What do I serve along with Paneer biryani? This savory delicacy is a complete meal in itself. However, you can pair it with homemade raita and green chutney to add more flavor and make your meal a delicious indulgence!   Can I cook Paneer Biryani over the stovetop? Cooking time will vary in the stovetop method. The changes you are going to make- 

• You are going to use par-boiled rice in the stovetop method.
• Meaning - cook the rice until they are half cooked. To check that - take a few grains in your hands and try to crush in between fingers- if you have to apply a little pressure, that's the perfect half-cooked grain. Drain the rice and set it aside. 
• Double the quantity of water. The ratio of rice to water in the stovetop method is 1:2. Which means you will add 4 cups of water to 2 cups of rice. 
• The rest of the recipe remains the same up until step 20. 
• In the stovetop method, cook biryani for 10-12 minutes or until the rice is soft and tender.