Labneh
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Additional Time
1 d
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Total Time
1 d 5 mins
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Servings
4
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Course
Appetizer
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Cuisine
Mediterranean, Middle Eastern
Labneh
Description
Labneh starts with whole milk Greek yogurt mixed with sea salt, which is then set in cheesecloth to drain moisture overnight. This process concentrates the yogurt into a thick, creamy spread with a tangy profile. The wrap in cheesecloth hung over a bowl ensures excess liquid drains away, leaving a soft but dense texture similar to fresh cheese.
The finished labneh is often served drizzled with extra-virgin olive oil and sprinkled with za'atar spice blend, crushed pistachios, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes for added flavor and texture contrast. A fresh mint leaf garnish can add brightness. It pairs well with crisp veggies for dipping, pita bread, crackers, or can be used as a creamy topping or accompaniment to other dishes.
Labneh’s tangy creaminess makes it a flexible ingredient for spreads or dollops in various meals and snacks. Its preparation requires minimal ingredients and refrigeration time but offers a rich, concentrated flavor and texture that enhances simple accompaniments.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Greek yogurt whole milk
- Heaping ¼ teaspoon salt sea salt
Toppings & Serving options
- extra-virgin olive oil for drizzling
- za'atar spice blend
- pistachio crushed
- lemon zest
- red pepper flakes
- mint leaf fresh
- crisp veggies for dipping
- pita
- crackers
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix together the yogurt and salt.
- Scoop the mixture onto a layer of cheesecloth (or 2 layers, depending on the thickness of your yogurt). Bring the edges of the cheesecloth together, tie it around a wooden spoon, and place the spoon across the top of a medium bowl so that the labneh hangs in the center but does not touch the bottom of the bowl. Chill overnight.
- Remove the labneh from the cheese cloth. Transfer to bowl and serve as a spread with desired toppings and veggies, pita, or crackers for dipping. It can also be dolloped, like soft goat cheese, onto salads, pizza, or flatbread.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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