Thoroughly rinse the rice 3 times in ice-cold water until the rinse water runs clear.

Place the rinsed rice in a pot.

Add 600 ml cold water to the pot (about a 1.5:1 water-to-rice ratio).

Pierce the cardamom pods with a fork to release flavor, then add them and the star anise to the pot.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Cover the pot and bring to a rapid boil over high heat, then immediately reduce the heat to a simmer.

Simmer gently for 10 minutes without removing the lid.

Turn off the heat, remove the lid, and fish out the star anise and cardamom pods.

Fluff the rice with a fork and serve hot.