Wash the tomatoes
Remove the stems
Score the bottoms of the tomatoes with a small X
Blanch the tomatoes in boiling water for 30 to 60 seconds
Transfer the tomatoes to ice water
Peel off the skins
Remove the cores
Chop the tomatoes
Heat olive oil in a pot
Add chopped onion and cook until soft
Add minced garlic and cook briefly
Add the chopped tomatoes
Add salt and black pepper
Add dried basil, oregano, and bay leaf
Simmer the sauce on low heat until thickened
Stir occasionally
Remove the bay leaf
Taste and adjust seasoning
Add sugar if the sauce tastes too acidic
Add fresh basil if desired
Serve over cooked spaghetti