Vegetable Rice - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 c. Basmati rice
1/4 c. carrots, in 1/2-inch cubes
1/4 c. green beans, diced
1/4 c. cauliflower buds, diced
1/4 c. green peas
1 small onion, chopped
1 tsp. garlic/ginger paste
1/2 stick butter
1 tsp. paprika (optional)
1/2 c. milk
salt to taste
1/2 tsp. cumin powder (optional)
2 1/2 c. water
2 whole cloves
2 cinnamon sticks
2 cardamom pods

Preparation

Wash and soak rice at least 15 minutes.
Plunge carrots, beans and cauliflower in boiling water and blanch for 3 minutes.
Drain and keep aside.