Place the beans in a colander and sort out any debris, rinse beans and either add to slow cooker or to a pot and cover with water and add 1 teaspoon baking soda and let it sit overnight it's optional but i prefer it.

If you soaked the beans give them a quick rinse and add to slow cooker

Add in ham, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, butter, basil, thyme, pepper, bay leaf, broth and water

Cover slow cooker and don't open lid while cooking. Set on high for 8 hours

After 8 hours remove bay leaf and shred ham hocks if used and discard bone and add in tomatoes, hot sauce, kale, salt, lemon juice and pasta if adding. Stir up and cover and cook for 20 more minutes and then stir in flavor packet that was in with the beans. Serve and top with some Parmesan cheese if desired. It's also great with buttered cornbread on the side. Enjoy !