h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Is it necessary to soak lentils and split peas? These cook up quickly without pre-soaking and I haven't had any problems with food poisoning. Does something in the way these beans are processed eliminate the need for extra preparation?

I don't usually soak either lentils or split peas, although I do put them in cold water and bring it up to the boil (rather than putting them into already-boiling water). I think it's just the type of legume that determines the necessity to soak, rather than the method of drying them.