Question: why do you have to soak beans before cooking?
Answer: Soak: Soaking beans before cooking helps to remove some of those indigestible sugars that cause flatulence. ... Cook: Put beans into a large pot and cover with 2 inches of water or stock. (Don't add salt at this point since that slows the beans' softening.) Slowly bring to a boil, skimming off any foam on the surface.