Here’s a classic mistake: tossing in tomatoes, vinegar, or lemon juice early because you think it adds flavor. Stop right there. Acid toughens bean skins. It’s like locking the door and throwing away the key. Your beans will take forever and feel like little pebbles.
Wait until the beans are fully soft—like, squishably soft—before adding any acid. Then, you can go wild with tomatoes or lime juice. Your beans will soak up that flavor instead of fighting it.
This one rule alone can save you 30 minutes. Trust me, I’ve committed this crime more times than I’ll admit.