Steps
1. Clean, wash, and soak rice for 10 minutes. Boil 8 cups water, drain rice, and add to boiling water. Remove from fire when half-done. Drain rice and set aside.
2. Heat oil in a heavy pan. Add cardamoms, cloves, sugar, water or milk, and food color. Stir and add nuts. Stir again.
3. When sugar becomes syrupy, add boiled rice. Cover and cook on low heat until done.

Comments
If using sticky rice, rinse boiled rice with cold water to remove stickiness.

Source
International Rice Institute (IRRI) & International Women's Organization (SUHAY), VIRMANI, Inderjeet (ED)(1991), Home Chefs of the World - Rice and Rice-based Recipes, ISBN 971-22-0023-X, Manila, Philippines