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In a large pot, skillet, or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over a medium-high heat.
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Add garlic and quickly mix around to heat up the garlic, but take care NOT TO BROWN it.
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Remove pot from heat.
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Add tomato sauce, paste, and water. Mix well.
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Return to heat.
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Add oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
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Bring to a low boil or high simmer.
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Taste for salt, pepper, and garlic and add if needed to taste.
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Add parmesan cheese and allow to resume a low boil/high simmer for about 3 minutes.
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*After cooked, discard the bay leaf and serve.
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*If using immediately, reduce to low and allow to simmer for about 15 minutes.
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*If using in slow cooker or oven, add to slow cooker/baking pot and allow to cook 3-6 hours on low with desired protein or on its own.
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**The longer this sauce sits "around" the better it tastes!