Beans don't need to soak, you just have to cook them a bit longer. Here's one of my favs:
Half pound dry black beans
Thick Bacon, chopped, about a cup (could use ham for this)
More Bacon, for garnish, at least 4 slices
One onion, roughly chopped
Garlic cloves, minced
Chile peppers to taste, seeded and sliced
Smoked sea salt to taste
Cumin
Tequila
Cilantro, chopped
Wash the beans, then put into a dutch oven (do not soak overnight.) Cover with 5 cups of water, and remove any beans that float. Add the cup of chopped bacon. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, partially cover, and simmer 2 hours. Periodically stir the beans, and if the water gets too low, add some. (The water should completely cover the beans at all times.)
Fry the rest of the bacon in a skillet. Remove the bacon once well-brown (should easily crumble.) Drain off all but about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease. Add the onion and fry until golden. Add the chiles and garlic, and continue frying until the onion is nicely caramelized. Stir this into the beans, then add the cumin and smoked sea salt. Let simmer at least another half hour, then cool and refrigerate overnight to let the flavors blend together. Heat beans slowly, then stir in cilantro and tequila shortly before serving. Serve in bowls topped with crumbled bacon.