Indian Spiced Rice Pilaf (Pualo)

Ingredients

• 2 cups white basmati rice, rinsed and drained
• 3 tablespoons avocado oil (or ghee)
• 1 medium white onion, cut into crescent moons
• 2 teaspoons cumin seeds
• 2 teaspoons finely grated fresh ginger
• 2 serrano chili peppers, sliced lengthwise
• ½ teaspoons sea salt
• ½ teaspoons turmeric powder
• ¼ teaspoons ground cardamom
• 2 whole star anise
• 3 bay leaves
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 2 cups water