My Family's Favorite Bake Navy Beans for Comforting

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups dried navy beans (250g)
• 4 cups water (1 liter, for soaking)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup ketchup (240ml)
• ½ cup molasses (120ml)
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar (60ml)
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1 bay leaf (optional)