Armenian Yogurt Cheese Balls
User Reviews
5.0
15 reviews
Excellent
Armenian Yogurt Cheese Balls
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This is one of my favorite appetizer/maza dishes. Guests delight in its exotic yet familiar taste. To make it even prettier, when I have chives in blossom, I sprinkle some of their beautiful flowers over the top along with the chives.
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Ingredients
For the yogurt cheese
- 1 1/2 quarts yogurt
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
For the marinated cheese balls
- 2 cups yogurt cheese (above)
- 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic pressed
- 2 teaspoons chopped dill leaves
- 1 teaspoon Aleppo pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped chives
- crackers for serving
Instructions
Make the yogurt cheese
- Drain the yogurt by lining a colander with a double layer of cheesecloth, making sure to have a generous drape over the sides. Set the colander in a bowl that holds its bottom well above the bottom of the bowl. Place the yogurt in the colander and set aside at room temperature to drain until reduced to 4 cups, 2 to 4 hours, depending on the consistency of the yogurt you begin with. Use right away, or store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Stir the salt into the drained yogurt in the colander. Cover and refrigerate to continue draining. Leave for 12 hours (overnight) to achieve a cream cheese texture. Leave for 24 hours to achieve a firmer, chevre-like texture. Be sure to pour off the whey accumulated in the bowl whenever it reaches up to the bottom of the colander.
Make the marinated cheese balls
- Divide the cheese into 13 portions and roll each into a walnut-size ball. Arrange the balls on a plate lined with paper towels so they're not touching. Cover loosely with paper towels and refrigerate for 4 to 6 hours, until firm.
- In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, garlic, dill, and Aleppo pepper. Dump the balls into a jar with a lid. Pour the oil mixture over the balls, secure with lid, and refrigerate for 2 hours, or up to 1 week.
- To serve, arrange the yogurt balls with some oil in a deep dish, sprinkle the chives over the top, and accompany with crackers.
Nutrition Information
Show Details
Serving
1portion
Calories
271kcal
(14%)
Carbohydrates
12g
(4%)
Protein
8g
(16%)
Fat
22g
(34%)
Saturated Fat
7g
(35%)
Monounsaturated Fat
12g
Cholesterol
31mg
(10%)
Sodium
488mg
(20%)
Fiber
1g
(4%)
Sugar
11g
(22%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6to 8 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 271 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1portion | |
| Calories | 271kcal | 14% |
| Carbohydrates | 12g | 4% |
| Protein | 8g | 16% |
| Fat | 22g | 34% |
| Saturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 12g | 60% |
| Cholesterol | 31mg | 10% |
| Sodium | 488mg | 20% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 11g | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Genuine Reviews
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5.0
15 reviews
Excellent
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