For cooking rice: Add 1 tsp of oil in a pan. Add the cloves, Star Anise, Cinnamon stick, cumin seeds, Bay leaf, Cardamom powder and Black pepper. Add a few mint leaves. Add 2 liters of water. Add 1 tsp salt. Let the water come to a boil and add the soaked rice and cook till its 70% done. Strain and set aside.