Prepare the Vegetables: Heat a small amount of oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
Add the Spices: Stir in the cumin and paprika, and let the spices cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the Beans and Broth: Add the soaked and rinsed Anasazi beans to the pot, followed by the vegetable or chicken broth. If using, add the diced tomatoes at this stage for a richer soup.
Simmer the Soup: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1-1.5 hours, or until the beans are tender.
Season to Taste: Once the beans are cooked, taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed.
Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. You can enjoy it with a slice of crusty bread or over rice for a complete meal.