Shamee (Meat Patties)

1 lb. ground beef
1 onion, large
3 eggs
2 tablespoons flour
1 teaspoon tumeric
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
salt, black pepper
1/3 cup liquid shortening

Peel and grate the onion.  In a large mixing bowl combine the ground meat and the onion.  Add 1 tablespoon flour, tumeric, cinnamon and salt and pepper to taste.  Mix well together.  Add the eggs and mix well.
Heat the shortening in a large frying pan for 3 minutes.  Sprinkle 1 tablespoon flour in it.  As soon as the flour begins to take color, spoon 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture at a time into the hot shortening, leaving about 1-inch between each patty.  When the pan is filled, scoop a little of the hot shortening on top of each mound and smooth flat with the back of the spoon.  Lower the fire to medium-high and fry until golden brown.  Turn and fry the other side.  Remove and drain on paper toweling.  Repeat the procedure until all of the meat mixture has been fried.  Serve hot or cold.

VARIATION:   Grind together 1 lb. chicken livers and hearts, 1 small onion, and 1 medium white potato.  Replace the meat and onion with this mixture.  DO NOT add the 1 tablespoon of flour to the chicken livers.