If you've tried labneh cheese/spread in a mezze meal, you might be surprised to know it's really easy to make yourself at home. And delicious!
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A few years ago, one of my friends moved to Jordan for work and it didn't take long for me to try to figure out a way of visiting. Our trip wasn't all that long, but between being a relatively small country and the help we had in sorting out details, we got to see and do as much as possible.
There were so many great things about the trip but the food was definitely up there. I was already familiar with many of the foods of the region like humous and tabbouleh, but labneh was one I was less familiar with. When I tried it, I instantly loved it.
What is labneh?
Labneh is kind of like a soft, cream cheese made from Greek yogurt and as such, it's a lot lighter in calories. The idea of making your own cheese might seem a bit scary but believe me, this is really easy.
You can see just how easy it is in this video:
When would you eat it?
Labneh is something you would tend to get as part of a selection of mezze. Mezze are often split into cold and hot dishes, where you tend to start with the cold and move on to the hot. These can be either the appetizer before a main, or eat enough to be a meal in itself.
There's one time in particular that I remember sharing labneh, humous, falafel, flatbread and fries with my friends in a small alleyway in Amman. It was basically a collection of stalls with lots of plastic tables out front. Waiters would go to the various stalls for you to get your order, each one specializing in different parts of the meal. It was all so good and really cheap as well.
At home, you can eat labneh in a variety of ways. You can make your own mezze with any of your choice of some hummus, flatbread, tabbouleh, fattoush, falafel or any other favorites. Or, keep it more simple and use it spread on some toast. Why not try it topped with a few walnuts and some honey, or drizzled with olive oil and za'atar as I have topped it here.
Labneh is so easy to make and deliciously creamy. Add your own flavors and dip in or spread it, and be sure to enjoy.
Looking for other dips/spreads (that would also be perfect for a mezze meal?) Try these!
- Baba ghanoush (eggplant dip/spread)
- Muhammara (Red pepper and walnut dip/spread)
- You could also use Israeli salad to go alongside/on top since it is diced small.
- Get more ideas to complete your meal in the Israeli and Middle Eastern recipes archives.
How to make labneh
Ingredients
- 7 oz Greek yogurt 200g/1 small tub
- 1 pinch salt
- ¼ tsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Mix together the yogurt, salt and lemon juice. Tip the mixture into a doubled-over cheesecloth sat in a sieve or small colander. Place over a bowl, fold the cheesecloth over the yogurt mixture and refrigerate for 12-24 hours. The longer you leave it, the firmer it will become.
- When ready, gently squeeze any excess liquid and transfer to a small dish/plate. I'd suggest serving as I have here topped with zaatar and olive oil, but you can also sweeten it up topped with a little honey and nuts.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
See some of my favorite cooking tools and ingredients in the Caroline's Cooking Amazon store.
Try these other dairy recipes:
A Visit to Ol' McGrandpa's Farm by Cooking With Carlee
Chili Cheese Corn Salad by Corn, Beans, Pigs and Kids
Chipotle Cheddar Patty Melt by Jolene's Recipe Journal
Breakfast Egg Bites by Family Around the Table
Gluten Free Rotini with Cabot Cheddar, Chorizo and Saffron by Culinary Adventures with Camilla
Grilled Peaches with Ice Cream by A Day in the Life on the Farm
Skillet Jalapeno Popper Dip from A Kitchen Hoor's Adventures
Southern Style Pimento with Bacon Mac and Cheese by Tip Garden
Zucchini Tots with Jalapeno, Cheddar and Bacon by Palatable Pastime
Remember to pin for later!
Cynthia
I have to admit, that I have never heard of this before! Hmmm...now that I have, I think it would be great.
Caroline's Cooking
Thanks Cynthia, it's not so widely known I know, but it's definitely worth a try!
Carlee
I had no idea that I could actually make labneh. I can't wait to give it a try!
Caroline's Cooking
Yes, indeed - do give it a try!
Michele @BaconFatte
I've been wanting to try labneh, and I'm so excited to see how easy it is to make... I just might need to try it this weekend! Thanks so much for sharing!
Caroline's Cooking
Thanks I hope you do and enjoy!
Wendy Klik
Who knew that making Labneh was so easy.? Thanks Caroline!
Ellen
It looks so easy and I love the flavors.
Caroline's Cooking
It really is easy, and the flavors with the zaatar are great.
Val - Corn, Beans, Pigs & Kids
So neat! I think I might just have to try this to say that I can do it.
Caroline's Cooking
Absolutely, do give it a try!
Hadia
Labneh is a staple at our house, love the video and love too the Middle Eastern feast in your photo! Gorgeous!!
Caroline's Cooking
Thanks Hadia, I can understand why it's a staple!
Christine @ Christine's Pantry
Simple but good. 🙂
Caroline's Cooking
Absolutely!
Ann -- The Fountain Avenue Kitchen
I love labneh...especially topped with zaatar. Beautiful!
Caroline's Cooking
Thanks Ann, I agree it's a great way to enjoy it.
ally
So so simple. And, amazingly deeeelish!!
Caroline's Cooking
Thanks Ally, I agree!
Camilla @ Culinary Adventures
We LOVE labneh. Haven't made it in years...thanks for the reminder.
Caroline's Cooking
You're welcome Camilla, definitely one to make again soon!