Yes, Christel...you can cover with water at least 2 inches above the beans in a large pot and bring them to a boil, boil for 2 minutes and let them set for an hour, and then drain and proceed as usual. This works best with pintos, kidney beans, garbansos, black and other more hearty beans. If they are small white beans, they may fall apart, and it would be better to just cold water soak for less time. Actually, I know of cooks who never soak a bean, just simmer longer until done.