Add 3 tablespoons of oil and heat
Once oil is hot add bay leaves, cloves, peppercorns, dry red chillies, star anise, cinnamon and cumin. Roast for 2mins on medium heat
Add ginger, garlic and green chillies. Sauté for 5mins
On medium heat
Add onions and cook until they are brown
Add tomatoes, cook until mushy and oil starts separating
Add salt, coriander powder and garam masala
Drain rice and add to the pan
Add 4cups of water, check salt
Cook with open pan until liquid dries and little holes form in the rice texture
Cover the rice and cook for 5mins
Remove pan from heat and let it sit 5mins
Serve