Best 3 Mediterranean Yogurt Cheese Recipes

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**A Culinary Journey to the Mediterranean: Explore the Art of Making Yogurt Cheese**

Experience the culinary artistry of the Mediterranean with our diverse collection of yogurt cheese recipes. Discover the simplicity and versatility of this creamy, tangy delicacy. From the classic Greek yogurt cheese to the aromatic Lebanese labneh, each recipe offers a unique taste adventure. Whether you prefer a smooth, spreadable texture or a firm, crumbly consistency, our recipes will guide you through the process of crafting the perfect yogurt cheese at home. Embark on a culinary voyage across the Mediterranean and savor the rich flavors and textures of this delightful creation.

Let's cook with our recipes!

MEDITERRANEAN YOGURT CHEESE



Mediterranean Yogurt Cheese image

You can marinate this cheese in olive oil with herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary. Serve it as an appetizer with crackers.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Appetizers

Number Of Ingredients 1

1 container (17.6 ounces) full-fat or 2% Greek yogurt

Steps:

  • Place 2 layers of cheesecloth in a fine-mesh sieve over a large measuring cup or bowl. Add Greek yogurt and loosely cover with plastic wrap. Top with a plate that is at least 1 inch smaller than the inside rim of sieve and weight with a heavy can. Refrigerate 48 hours. Roll into balls (1 tablespoon each).

Nutrition Facts : Calories 28 g, Fat 1 g, Protein 4 g

YOGURT CAKE



Yogurt Cake image

This Turkish yogurt cake, adapted from the cookbook "Claudia Roden's Mediterranean," is similar to a lemon-scented cheesecake, but it's lighter and has a fresher, tangier flavor. It's good both warm and cold, either on its own or topped with berries that have been macerated in a pinch or two of sugar. Make sure to use whole milk Greek yogurt or another thick, strained variety here, or the texture won't be as creamy.

Provided by Melissa Clark

Categories     cakes, dessert

Time 1h

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 7

Butter, for greasing the pan
4 large eggs, separated, at room temperature
1/2 cup/100 grams granulated sugar
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 2/3 cups/400 grams whole-milk Greek yogurt
1 lemon, zested and juiced
Pinch of salt (optional)

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350 degrees and butter an 8- or 9-inch springform pan.
  • Using an electric hand mixer or a standing electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat egg whites on medium-low until the mixture looks frothy, 1 to 2 minutes. Slowly start to increase the speed to medium-high. Continue to beat the egg whites until soft peaks form, about 3 minutes. Set aside.
  • In a separate bowl but using the same mixer, combine yolks and sugar (no need to wash beaters after the egg white). Beat yolks on medium-high until the mixture is very pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Reduce speed to medium and gradually beat in flour, yogurt, lemon zest and juice, and salt until fully incorporated.
  • Gently fold half of the egg whites into the yolk-yogurt mixture until only a few streaks remain. Fold in the remaining whites, scraping the bottom and sides of the bowl, until the batter is evenly mixed, light and smooth.
  • Scrape the batter into prepared pan and smooth into an even layer. Bake until the top is speckled with golden brown and puffed, 40 to 55 minutes. (The 8-inch pan will take longer to bake through.) Transfer the pan to a wire rack and let cake cool before cutting. Serve warm or cold.

GARLIC-HERB YOGURT CHEESE



Garlic-Herb Yogurt Cheese image

White pepper is milder than black, allowing the flavors of the herbs and yogurt to shine, but if you don't have it in your pantry, use black pepper to taste. The whey that drains out of the yogurt is a source of protein, calcium, potassium, and riboflavin. Freeze it in ice-cube trays to blend into fruit shakes and smoothies, or enjoy it (unfrozen) lightly sweetened, over ice.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Appetizers

Time 8h10m

Yield Makes about 1 1/4 cups cheese and 2 cups whey

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 quart homemade yogurt or store-bought plain low-fat yogurt
3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives
2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
3/4 teaspoon coarse salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground white pepper, or more to taste
Carrots and endive, trimmed, for crudites
Baguette slices, for serving

Steps:

  • Fold a large piece of cheesecloth twice to form a 4-layer, roughly 18-inch square. Place in a sieve set over a large bowl, and spoon yogurt into center. Gathering the 4 corners, tie a piece of kitchen twine just above yogurt to form a tight bundle. Let yogurt (still in sieve over bowl) drain in refrigerator at least 8 hours and up to 24 hours.
  • Cut open cheesecloth. Transfer yogurt cheese to a bowl; set whey aside for another use. Stir chives, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper into yogurt cheese. Serve with crudites and bread.

Tips:

  • Use fresh yogurt for the best flavor and texture.
  • Make sure the yogurt is strained properly to remove all the excess whey.
  • Do not over-strain the yogurt, as this will make it too dry.
  • Season the yogurt cheese to taste with salt, pepper, and other herbs and spices.
  • Serve the yogurt cheese as a dip, spread, or topping on salads, sandwiches, and other dishes.

Conclusion:

Mediterranean yogurt cheese is a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. It is a great source of protein and calcium, and it is also low in calories and fat. If you are looking for a healthy and flavorful way to add more yogurt to your diet, Mediterranean yogurt cheese is a great option.

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