CUCUMBERS WITH LABNEH AND CHERRIES

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image



Cucumbers With Labneh and Cherries image

This recipe comes from Kismet, the chef Sara Kramer's restaurant in Los Angeles. There, the labneh is made in-house, providing an advantage that can never quite be overcome at home. Still, buy the best labneh you can find. This recipe calls for cherries, but any stone fruit can work: apricots, peaches, plums, nectarines. The slight pickle intensifies the fresh fruit, the taste of summer. The Persian cucumbers can be cut on the bias, as specified here, or sliced thinly on a mandoline.

Provided by Oliver Strand

Categories     dinner, lunch, snack, dips and spreads, pickles, appetizer, side dish

Time 35m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 21

2 cups sweet cherries, halved and pitted
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons raw sesame seeds, ground
1 tablespoon whole toasted sesame seeds
3/4 cup dried rose petals, roughly ground
1 1/2 teaspoons sumac
1 teaspoon parsley seeds, ground, or toasted crushed fennel seeds
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups labneh
1 teaspoon salt
Zest of 2 lemons
2 cloves garlic, grated on a Microplane
1 tablespoon rose water
2 teaspoons honey
Black pepper, to taste
9 to 12 Persian cucumbers, rinsed and cut on the bias into 1/2-inch slices
Juice of 2 lemons
Olive oil
Salt

Steps:

  • Make the cherries: Place the cherries in a bowl and add vinegar, sugar and salt. Toss to coat. Cover and let sit in refrigerator. (This can be done the day before.)
  • Make the za'atar: Mix together ground raw sesame seeds, whole toasted sesame seeds, roughly ground rose petals, sumac, parsley or fennel seeds, and salt. (Za'atar will keep for up to one week in a tightly sealed container.)
  • Make the rose water labneh: Combine labneh, salt, lemon zest, grated garlic, rose water, honey and pepper. Cover and let sit in the refrigerator. (This can be made earlier in the day.)
  • Make the cucumbers: Mix together cucumbers with lemon juice, a splash of olive oil and a pinch of salt. Toss to coat and set aside.
  • To assemble the salad, cover labneh with cucumbers and cherries, and sprinkle about 1 teaspoon of za'atar on top. Serve family-style and immediately.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 272, UnsaturatedFat 7 grams, Carbohydrate 34 grams, Fat 13 grams, Fiber 4 grams, Protein 10 grams, SaturatedFat 4 grams, Sodium 936 milligrams, Sugar 24 grams

Adam Lee
[email protected]

This dish is simply delicious! The combination of cucumbers, labneh, and cherries is perfect. I love the sweet and tangy flavors.


Hibba Khan
[email protected]

This recipe is so quick and easy to make. It's perfect for a busy weeknight meal. I can have it on the table in less than 30 minutes.


Kazi Md, Alamin Vai
[email protected]

This recipe is a great way to sneak in some extra veggies into your diet. The cucumbers and cherries are packed with nutrients, and the labneh adds a healthy dose of protein.


muwonge Bakerm UG
[email protected]

This dish is a favorite in my family. We love the refreshing flavors and the beautiful presentation. It's always a hit at potlucks and family gatherings.


Caius Milikaa
[email protected]

I love how versatile this recipe is. You can easily customize it to your own taste. I added some chopped mint and a squeeze of lemon juice, and it was perfect.


Elvia Arias
[email protected]

This recipe is perfect for beginner cooks. It's so easy to follow and the results are delicious. I'm so glad I tried it.


Daniela Diaz
[email protected]

I'm always excited to try new cuisines, and this recipe did not disappoint. The flavors of the Middle East are so vibrant and exciting. I will definitely be exploring more recipes from this region.


Phetogo Makitla
[email protected]

This dish was a hit at my last party. Everyone loved the unique flavor combination. I will definitely be making it again for my next gathering.


Rj Honeycutt
[email protected]

This recipe is incredibly quick and easy to make. I was able to have it on the table in less than 30 minutes. It's perfect for a weeknight meal.


Jamie Nowling
[email protected]

This dish is very affordable to make. The ingredients are all relatively inexpensive, and you can easily find them at your local grocery store.


Benson Rose
[email protected]

This recipe is a great way to get your daily dose of fruits and vegetables. The cucumbers are packed with vitamins and minerals, and the cherries are a good source of antioxidants. The labneh adds a healthy dose of protein and calcium.


Md Ajijul Sk
[email protected]

I'm always looking for new ways to use cucumbers, and this recipe definitely fits the bill! The labneh and cherries are a unique and flavorful combination. I also appreciate that the recipe is so easy to make.


TaMoor Khan
[email protected]

This dish is refreshing, light, and perfect for summer! I used Persian cucumbers and they were so crisp and delicious. The labneh and cherries added a nice tang and sweetness. I would definitely make this again.