why make this recipe
Labneh is a wonderful Middle Eastern spread made from yogurt. It is creamy, tangy, and very easy to make at home. Making your own labneh allows you to control the flavor and thickness, and you can use simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. Plus, it’s a delightful addition to dips, spreads, and even desserts.
how to make Homemade Labneh
Ingredients:
- 32 ounces plain full-fat yogurt
- 1/4 teaspoon fine grain sea salt
Directions:
- Line a deep bowl with a double layer of cheesecloth.
- Stir the salt into the yogurt and pour it into the cheesecloth.
- Bring the cheesecloth together into a bundle and secure it with string.
- Hang the bundle over a bowl or wide pitcher, making sure the bottom of the cheesecloth is suspended in the air.
- Cover the setup and refrigerate for at least 24 hours, or longer if you want it thicker.
- Once thickened, remove the labneh from the cloth and serve.
how to serve Homemade Labneh
Labneh can be enjoyed in many ways. You can spread it on bread, use it as a dip with vegetables, or enjoy it with pita chips. It goes well with olive oil, herbs, or even spices like za’atar. You can also mix it with garlic for a tasty garlic labneh dip.
how to store Homemade Labneh
Store your homemade labneh in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for about a week. If you want to keep it longer, you can form it into balls, cover it in olive oil, and store it in the fridge for up to two weeks.
tips to make Homemade Labneh
- Use full-fat yogurt for a creamier texture.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices to flavor your labneh.
- Make sure to secure the cheesecloth tightly to avoid any spills.
variation
You can add herbs like dill, mint, or chives to your labneh for an added burst of flavor. Another variation is to mix in crushed garlic for garlic labneh or even a drizzle of honey for a sweet treat.
FAQs
What type of yogurt should I use?
Use plain full-fat yogurt for the best texture and flavor in labneh. Greek yogurt works well too.Can I make labneh with low-fat yogurt?
While you can use low-fat yogurt, it will not be as creamy as using full-fat yogurt.How long does it take to make labneh?
It takes at least 24 hours to allow the yogurt to thicken properly, but you can leave it for up to 48 hours for a thicker consistency.
Labneh
Ingredients
Method
- Line a deep bowl with a double layer of cheesecloth.
- Stir the salt into the yogurt and pour it into the cheesecloth.
- Bring the cheesecloth together into a bundle and secure it with string.
- Hang the bundle over a bowl or wide pitcher, making sure the bottom of the cheesecloth is suspended in the air.
- Cover the setup and refrigerate for at least 24 hours, or longer if you want it thicker.
- Once thickened, remove the labneh from the cloth and serve.