Heat the oil in a saucepan, add the crushed garlic and fry for 30sec (cook it very briefly; if it browns it will taste bitter).
Immediately add the tomatoes, bay leaf and fresh thyme. Season to taste with salt and ground black pepper and a large pinch of caster sugar. Bring to the boil and simmer, uncovered, for 5-10min.
Remove the bay leaf and thyme, then add the chopped fresh basil and serve immediately.
Serve with cooked pasta