What food item is commonly soaked in water prior to cooking?

Soaking dried beans in water prior to cooking is a common practice that serves several important purposes. Soaking beans helps to soften their hard outer shell, which not only reduces overall cooking time but also contributes to more even cooking. Additionally, soaking can help to remove some of the oligosaccharides present in beans that can lead to digestive discomfort.

While other food items like rice and pasta might also benefit from soaking, the method and reasons differ significantly. Rice is typically rinsed to remove excess starch but does not always require soaking. Pasta usually cooks directly in boiling water without any prior soaking. Wheat can be soaked for specific reasons like making certain recipes or preparing for fermentation, but it is not a typical preparation method as it is for beans. Thus, soaking dried beans is distinct in its necessity and effect compared to the treatment of the other food items listed.