In a pot, heat the olive oil on medium high, add the teaspoon of garlic and quickly stir--Do not let it burn.

Add the rice, stirring to brown the rice.

Remove from the heat momentarily and add the tomato sauce and water, mix thoroughly-removing from the heat is to minimize the splatter from adding the liquid to the hot rice.

Add seasonings and bay leaf.  Taste…add more of spices as needed for flavor.

Bring rice to boil over medium heat while covered, allow to cook for about 10 minutes, reduce the heat to low and cook additional 20 minutes covered.

Stir and serve.