1 c. Basmati rice
2 T. Ghee or butter
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
1 inch piece of cinnamon
1 cardamom pod
2 whole cloves
1 bay leaf
1 star anise (optional)
salt

1. Rinse rice in water and then soak for 20 minutes.
2. Drain the water and set aside
3. Heat ghee or butter in a saucepan
4. Add all the spices (cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, bay leaf and, if desired, star anise)
5. Add the sliced onion and fry until golden brown
6. Add the drained rice and fry for a several minutes
7. Add 2 cups of boiling water and pinch of salt and bring to a boil
8. Cover and reduce temperature to low. Simmer for 15 minutes or until all the water has been absorbed
9. Let stand for 5 minutes and then fluff with a fork before serving