Heat oil over medium heat in a large pot or Dutch oven.
Add the onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
Add the garlic, stir and cook for 1 minute.
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for two minutes.
Place whole tomatoes into a food processor or blender and puree until smooth. Add to the pot with the parsley, basil, oregano, sugar and bay leaves. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low and simmer for one hour.
Notes
*the sugar is used to remove the "tinny" taste when using canned tomatoes. Adjust according to your own tastes.