Lisa,
You only need to soak the garbanzoes for about 8 hours. 48 hours might
encourage moldy stuff to grow in the pot.
Another way to cook them, or any other beans, is to bring them to a boil
and turn off the pot. Let the beans and water sit for 2 hours and then
cook them as usual (usually about 1 hour for garbanzoes).
Barb b