Jollof Rice

1 cup parboiled rice
6 oz. (small can) tomato paste
1/2 cup butter
1 tsp. each spices: chopped garlic, curry, white pepper, ginger, (and hot pepper, optional, to taste)
2 cubes bouillon
2 cups cold water

Wash and drain rice. Set aside. In a pot, boil water. Add tomato paste, butter, and spices. Add rice. Reduce heat to low. Stir mixture and cover. Simmer for 10 minutes. Check after 10 minutes. Stir mixture again. Simmer for another 10 minutes. Serve with fried plantains, fish and meat