Old-Fashioned Ham and Bean Soup

Place beans in a Dutch oven; add water to cover by 2 in. Bring to a boil; boil for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat; cover and let stand for 1 to 4 hours or until beans are softened. Drain and rinse beans, discarding liquid. , In the same pan, heat oil over medium heat; add onion and celery. Cook and stir until crisp-tender, 3-5 minutes. Stir in softened beans, 8 cups water, carrot, bay leaves, thyme and pepper. Add ham hocks. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 hours or until beans are tender. , Discard bay leaves. Remove ham hocks; and set aside until cool enough to handle. Remove ham from bones and cut into cubes. Discard bones. Return ham from ham hocks to soup. Stir in cubed ham and salt; heat through.