Adding finely chopped or minced smoked chicken to a premade falafel mix makes deliciously moist falafels, ideal as a nibble when packed into pockets with salad ingredients or as a light meal when accompanied by spicy rocket leaves.

Ingredients

• ½ smoked chicken or 1 double smoked chicken breast
• 500 grams ready-made falafel mixture
• 2-3 spring onions, trimmed and roughly chopped
• 2-4 tblsp chopped coriander

Parsley pesto

• 2 tsp minced garlic
• ½ cup pinenuts
• 2 cups well packed parsley
• ¼ cup grated fresh Parmesan cheese
• ½-¾ cup olive oil (light or virgin)

Method

1. Remove the skin from the smoked chicken and chop finely. Mince or process the smoked chicken in a food processor. Mix with the falafel mixture, spring onions and coriander.
2. Take apricot size pieces and roll into balls and then flatten gently.
3. Pan fry in a little oil or butter until golden brown on all sides. Serve with parsley pesto, olives and yoghurt.

Parsley pesto

1. Put the garlic and pinenuts into a food processor and process until finely chopped.
2. Tear the leaves of the parsley up, discarding any stems or tough centre veins and add to the processor with the Parmesan cheese.
3. Gradually pour sufficient oil down the feed tube until the mixture forms a thick paste. Season well with salt and pepper. (Makes ½ cup)