Melt the butter in a saucepan (medium size). Saute garlic and onions until soft. Add 475 ml water, spices and ham and bring to a boil. Add the long-grain rice and bring to a boil repeatedly. Then reduce to very low heat and cook for 15-20 minutes.
Remove the saucepan from the stove and let the rice cool down. When cool, place the saucepan in the refrigerator.
Remove the bay leaf seasoning. In a baking bowl, stir olive oil, vinegar and juice of one lemon into the long-grain rice. Season to taste, adding a dash of Tabasco. Fold in the remaining ingredients, and bring the leaf salad to the table.
Tip: Stock up on a variety of high-quality seasonings – it pays off!