Proper British Baked Beans No Tins Allowed My Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) dried haricot beans, also known as navy beans
• 8 cups (2 liters) water, for soaking
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda (baking soda)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 ounces (115g) smoked bacon, pancetta or salt pork, diced
• 1 (14.5 ounce/400g) can crushed tomatoes
• ½ cup (120ml) tomato passata (tomato puree)
• 1/4 cup (60ml) molasses (or treacle if you're feeling really British)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 cup (240ml) reserved bean cooking liquid, or vegetable broth