You can, but with our quick soak method, it's not necessary. However, if you have time to soak them overnight, simply place the dried beans in a medium-sized bowl and cover them with cold water. Allow them to soak ideally for about 8 hours or more. This soaking process helps soften the beans, reducing their cooking time and ensuring they cook evenly. After soaking, you can proceed with the recipe as directed, draining the soaked beans before adding them to the soup pot.