Indian Buttered Rice (Nasi Biryani) - California Raisins

Ingredients

• 2 Cups basmati rice
• 1 Cup ghee or clarified butter
• 1 / 2 medium yellow onion, sliced
• 3 green cardamom seeds
• 2 whole cloves
• 1 whole cinnamon stick
• 1 star anise
• 1 / 2 Teaspoon saffron
• 2 Teaspoons kosher salt
• 2 1 / 2 Cups water
• 1 / 2 Cup California golden raisins, soaked in warm water and drained
• 1 / 2 Cup chopped shallots, fried
• 1 / 4 Cup almonds, toasted and sliced
• 1 Cup sliced scallions; for garnish
• 1 / 2 Cup cilantro leaves, for garnish