Wash and soak masoor dal in a water for 3 to 4 hours or overnight before you use it for the pulao.

Heat oil in a pan on a medium flame.
Add onions cook untill golden brown now add bay leaves, cinnamon, cloves, black peppercorns, cumin seeds, star anise with salt, turmeric and red chilli powder mix them well.

Add ginger, garlic paste,red whole dried chillis and sauté for few seconds Add water along with tomatoes and allow it to cook till the water evaporates.

Add the drained masoor dal and rice to the mixture with 2 cups of water or as required.

Once the water evaporates, cover it with a lid and allow it to cook for another 5 to 7 minutes.
Your delicious masoor pulao is ready to served with raita and fresh salad.