RINSE THE BEANS USING A COLANDER.
REMOVE AND DISCOLORED BEANS OR PEBBLES. SOAK THE BEANS EITHER OVER NIGHT OR OVER HEAT FOR AN HOUR.
ADD OIL TO A LARGE POT OVER MEDIUM HEAT. TO THAT ADD THE ONION, CARROTS, AND CELERY AND SAUTE FOR 3 MINUTES.
THEN, ADD THE HAM AND COOK 3-4 MORE MINUTES.
ADD THE BEANS, BROTH, BAY LEAF, THYME, ROSEMARY, SALT, PEPPER, AND PAPRIKA. STIR TO COMBINE. ADD THE HAM HOCK IF USING AND SIMMER UP TO 2 HOURS.