Question: how do you soak beans before cooking?
Answer: Overnight Soaking. To soak beans the traditional way, cover them with water by 2 inches, add 2 tablespoons coarse kosher salt (or 1 tablespoon fine salt) per pound of beans, and let them soak for at least 4 hours or up to 12 hours. ... 
Quick Soaking. ... 
Or, Don't Soak at All.