Kutlet (Meat and Yellow Split Peas Patties)

1 lb. ground beef or lamb
2 cups yellow split peas
1 onion, large
3 eggs
3/4 tablespoon yogurt, plain
2 tablespoon flour
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon saffron
1/4 teaspoon tumeric
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
salt, black pepper
1/3 cup liquid shortening

Cook the yellow split peas about 1 hour until tender.  Drain.
Grind the peas and onion together.  Combine the ground meat and the split pea-onion mixture and mix well by hand.  Add saffron, tumeric, cinnamon and salt and pepper to taste.  Mix well.  Add the eggs and mix well.  Combine the yogurt and baking soda, add to the meat mixture and mix well.
Heat the shortening in a large frying pan for 3 minutes.  Sprinkle 1 tablespoon flour in it.  While the flour is starting to take color, start shaping the cutelet.
Grease your hands to keep them from sticking.  Using 2 scant tablespoons of the meat mixture, shape it by hand into whatever shape you like - ovals, hamburgers or doughnuts.
Place the shaped patties into the hot shortening and fry until golden brown.  Turn and fry the other side.  Drain on paper toweling.  Repeat the procedure until all of the meat mixture is cooked.  Serve.