Keep the cooked and cold rice ready.
Pick a 2 inch long fresh turmeric root and scrub it thoroughly.
Remove the skin using a peeler.
Using a fine grater grate the fresh turmeric root. Skip these steps of you are using trimeric powder.
Heat butter or oil in a heavy pan or skillet. Once the butter is hot add the whole spices- 1 bay leaf, 1 star anise, 2 green cardamom, 1/2 inch cinnamon bark and 2 cloves to it. Saute for few seconds.
Add cumin seeds, grated ginger and turmeric, slit green chilies and
Saute well for a minute.
Now add cooked and cooled rice. Mix the rice and turmeric very well. Season with salt to taste.
Mix very well yet gently without breaking the rice. Now you can add another 1 tablespoon butter or oil at this stage for more flavor. Add finely chopped cilantro leaves and mix well. Remove from heat.