Instructions: Drain the pinto beans. Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in the pressure cooker. Add half of the cubed meat and cook over moderately-high heat until well browned all over; transfer to a plate. Repeat with the remaining meat and another tablespoon of the oil. Set the meat aside.

Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the cooker, along with the onion, red and green bell peppers, garlic, jalapenos and cumin seeds. Cook over moderately-high heat, stirring frequently, until the vegetables soften, about 2 minutes; scrape up any browned bits sticking to the bottom of the cooker. Stir in the chili powder, oregano, cinnamon and bay leaves, then add the drained pinto beans, the reserved browned meat and the boiling water.

Lock the lid in place and bring to high pressure over high heat. Lower the heat just enough to maintain high pressure and cook for 15 minutes. Turn off the heat and allow the pressure to come down naturally; do not quick-release, or the meat will toughen. Remove the lid, tilting it away from you to allow any excess steam to escape.

Remove and discard the bay leaves. Stir the tomato paste into the chili and season with salt and black pepper, then simmer for a few minutes to blend the flavors. If the chili seems too soupy, set it aside for a few hours at room temperature. Alternatively, puree about a cupful of the beans and stir them back in. Stir in the cilantro just before serving.

This recipe yields 6 servings.

Comments: To turn this into a vegetarian chili, simply eliminate the meat. Do not, however, omit the oil; it is needed to subdue the foam created as the beans cook under pressure. Serve this chili over rice or with cornbread or biscuits.

If you would like to email yourself the recipe for later use, or share the recipe with your friends or family, enter the email addresses below and this recipe will be emailed to you and others as well.