Alubias

Alubias is a general term for beans in Spain, as frijoles is in Mexico and habichuela is in Puerto Rico. There is a term in Spanish that is elemental to making a picture perfect potaje or bean stew: “Asustar las alubias”, meaning scare the beans. This method prevents the skin from breaking and peeling while they cook. Simply watch the beans come to a boil and then pour in a cup of cold water, lowering the cooking temperature. Repeat this terrifying sequence a few more times so that the frightened beans cling tightly to their thin coats to protect their creamy centers.