Instructions: NOTE: If you use frozen peas, you do not need to defrost them first.

Peel and dice the sweet potato or yam, and cook it in boiling water until soft-about 10 minutes, depending on the size of the pieces. Drain well. (Or cook the whole sweet potato in the microwave until soft, then peel.) You should have about 1 1/2 cups of cooked sweet potato. Transfer to a food processor.

Add all the other ingredients, except the flour, peas and oil. Puree until fairly smooth. (The mixture might be very thick, depending on the sweet potato or yam, so be patient with this process.) Transfer to a bowl.

Stir in the flour until it is thoroughly incorporated, then gently stir in the peas. Form into large or small patties. To make them uniform or professional looking, use a 1/4-cup-capacity ice cream scoop or a 1/4-cup measure to scoop up the mixture. Then pat each one down until it is about 1/2-inch thick and 2 1/2 inches in diameter.

Place a skillet over medium heat and add a little bit of oil. When the oil is very hot, add the patties and saute for about 8 to 10 minutes on each side, or until lightly browned and heated through. Serve hot, warm or at room temperature.

Makes 16 2-1/2" patties (4 main-dish servings or 6 appetizers)

Prep: 35-40 mins.

LUNCH: serve them in a pita with minced tomatoes and cucumbers, and some yogurt. BUFFET:Tomato-Fennel Consomme, Mediterranean Yogurt, Roasted Vegetables (375F oil and balsamic with seasonings); Figs with Mascarpone, Gorgonzola and Pine Nuts.

BAKE (alt): If you are in a hurry and dont have the time to form patties and saute them, you can make this into a small casserole instead. Omit the flour and just spread the mixture into a lightly oiled 8x8-inch pan. Top with a few bread crumbs, and bake uncovered at 350F for about 30 minutes or until heated through.

KOFTAS are little patties or balls made from ground or mashed vegetables. In traditional East Indian cooking, they are usually deep-fried and served in a creamy, savory sauce. In this recipe, the koftas are shaped into patties, similar to falafel, then sauteed or baked instead of deep-fried. These delicious little circles are also quite pretty: a deep shade of golden yellow, punctuated by nuggets of bright green peas.

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