Makes about 4 cups

3 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup finely chopped onions
1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic*
1 large can ground tomatoes
12 ounces tomato paste
1 tablespoon dried oregano crumbled
1 teaspoon finely crumbled dried basil
1 bay leaf
1/8 teaspoon thyme
2 tablespoons sugar* 
1 tablespoon salt*
1/8 teaspoon black pepper*

* vary to taste

Cook the onions in olive oil over medium heat until transparent and soft- not brown.

Add the garlic and cook for a few minutes constantly stirring.

Add ground tomatoes, tomato paste, thyme, oregano, bay leaf, basil, sugar, salt, and black pepper.

Bring to boil then turn heat very low, simmer gently for at least 1 hour uncovered. Stir occasionally.

Freezes well. Sometimes freezing seems to improve the sauce.