Vegetable Rice Pilaf with Garam Masala

Name: Vegetable Rice Pilaf with Garam Masala
Ingredients: 3 Tbs. canola oil, divided; 1 red potato, peeled and diced (1 cup); 1 medium red bell pepper, diced (1 cup); 3 cloves garlic, minced (1 Tbs.); 1 1/2 tsp. whole cumin seeds; 1 1/2 tsp. ground turmeric; 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes; 2 bay leaves; 1 1/2 cups broccoli florets; 1 1/2 cups cauliflower florets; 1 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels; 1 cup white basmati rice; 1/4 cup toasted slivered almonds, optional; 1 1/2 tsp. Garam Masala; 1 1/2 Tbs. melted butter or ghee