Chili from Scratch

INGREDIENTS

• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 pound turkey or lean ground beef (but not a combination)
• Salt and freshly ground pepper
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano leaves or 1 tsp dried
• 2 cups chopped tomatoes (diced canned are fine; don't bother to drain)
• 1 or 2 fresh or dried hot chilies, seeded and minced
• 1 pound dried pinto or kidney beans, rinsed and picked over, and soaked, if you like
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves for garnish