Drain the soaked beans and discard the water. Place the beans, ham hocks, chicken broth, and bay leaf in a soup pot; do not add salt at this stage. Bring to a boil and simmer for about 1 hour ...
Place the ham hock in a large saucepan or casserole pot ... Either way it will take a couple of hours. Add the leek, soup celery and potato and cook until potatoes are soft 0 about 20 minutes.