Put the rice in a bowl and wash in several changes of water until the water is no longer cloudy. Drain.
Pour 5 cups fresh water over the rice and let it soak for half an hour. Drain the rice in a sieve.
Combine the drained rice, 2 2/3 cups water, salt and spices in a heavy pot and bring to a boil. Cover with a tight-fitting lid, turn heat to very low and let simmer for 25 minutes.
Remove from heat and let the pot rest, covered for 10 minutes. Remove the whole spices and fluff the rice with a fork before serving.
