Pinto beans are affordable, easy to prepare and nutritious, in Hungary they are a commonly used ingredient in many savory dishes like simple pinto bean soup or Jókai bean soup. Pinto beans are highly nutritious, and research suggests that eating them may help provide protection against many chronic illnesses. They are gluten- and cholesterol-free and are rich in protein, fiber and folate.

With the right growing conditions and plenty of sun, you can grow your own pinto beans right in your backyard garden, and enjoy them in a variety of recipes year-round. We grow a beige type with brown speckles, which has a thin skin and is easy to digest. When these pito beans are cooked, they turn reddish-brown and have very soft flesh. The following pinto bean soup is an old, more than 100 year old family recipe, that comes from my maternal great-grandmother.