To Soak Dried Beans, Peas and Lentils

Dried beans, peas and lentils are often soaked too long. Most recipes say overnight. I prefer to put them in cold water; bring them gently to a boil and then, with saucepan off the heat, allow them to steep in the water for 1 to 2 hours only. If soaked too long, they may ferment, which affects their flavour and makes them difficult to digest.