Labneh, a thick and creamy yogurt cheese, is a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine. Made from strained yogurt, labneh has a tangy flavor and a smooth, spreadable texture. It can be used as a dip, a spread, or a topping for various dishes. This versatile ingredient is also a great source of protein and calcium. In this article, we'll explore the art of making labneh at home, along with a collection of delicious recipes that showcase its culinary versatility. From classic mezze platters to refreshing salads and even a unique cheesecake, these recipes offer a diverse range of ways to enjoy this creamy yogurt cheese. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey and discover the magic of labneh.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
HOW TO MAKE LABNEH (CREAMY YOGURT CHEESE)
A delicious creamy spread made with strained Greek yogurt - perfect as an appetizer, a snack, or, a condiment.
Provided by Marilena Leavitt
Categories Appetizer, Snack
Time 10m
Yield 12
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- In a large bowl, mix the yogurt and the salt. Taste and adjust the seasoning (the flavors will intensify once the whey is separated form the yogurt).
- Line a colander with several layers of cheesecloth and place it over a deep bowl. Transfer the yogurt to the colander, fold the cheese cloth over it, and cover with an inverted plate. Place the bowl in the refrigerator for a minimum of 8 hours, or better, overnight. The longer you leave it the thicker it will become.
- To serve, spoon some of the labneh into a serving bowl, top with toasted pine nuts, za'atar (or your favorite dried herb mixture) and drizzle liberally with extra virgin olive oil. Serve with toasted pita bread and/or sliced veggies.
LABNEH (LEBANESE CREAM CHEESE)
This is the Lebanese version of cream cheese, a lot tastier and lower in calories. Serve on a plate, sprinkled with olive oil, olives, tomatoes, cucumbers and mint. Or simply spread it like cream cheese on pita bread.
Provided by LEBANESE
Categories Appetizers and Snacks Dips and Spreads Recipes Cheese Dips and Spreads Recipes
Time P1DT5m
Yield 32
Number Of Ingredients 3
Steps:
- Line a large colander with a cheesecloth. Stir salt into the yogurt, and pour the yogurt into the cheesecloth. Set the colander in the sink or bowl to catch the liquid that drains off. Leave to drain for 24 hours.
- After draining for the 24 hours, transfer the resulting cheese to a bowl. Stir in the olive oil. Store in a covered container in the refrigerator.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 92.1 calories, Carbohydrate 8.6 g, Cholesterol 7.4 mg, Fat 3.6 g, Protein 6.4 g, SaturatedFat 1.5 g, Sodium 158.5 mg, Sugar 8.6 g
Tips:
- Use whole milk yogurt: Whole milk yogurt has a higher fat content than low-fat or nonfat yogurt, which results in a creamier labneh.
- Strain the yogurt well: The longer you strain the yogurt, the thicker the labneh will be. You can strain it for as little as 12 hours or as long as 24 hours.
- Use a cheesecloth-lined colander: A cheesecloth-lined colander will help to catch any solids that may be in the yogurt.
- Place the colander over a bowl: This will allow the whey to drip down into the bowl.
- Cover the colander: This will help to keep the yogurt from drying out.
- Refrigerate the labneh: Once the labneh is strained, refrigerate it for at least 2 hours before serving.
Conclusion:
Labneh is a delicious and versatile Middle Eastern cheese that can be used as a dip, spread, or topping. It is easy to make at home with just a few simple ingredients. Follow these tips to make the best labneh possible. Enjoy!
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