Tomato Gravy or Sauce

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion

1 small green bell pepper

2 cloves garlic

1 28 oz can whole tomatoes

1 6 oz can tomato paste

1 cup water

2 teaspoons choopped oregano

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/2 teaspoon sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 large bay leaf

Heat oil. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sautee until tender. Stir in remaining ingredients, simmer for 30

- 40 minutes until thickened. Remove bay leaf. Serve over pasta or rice.