Kamil Perry
Lebanese chive cheese, also known as jibin, is a creamy, soft, fresh cheese made from cow's milk, rennet or vinegar, salt, zaatar seasoning, and lemon juice. It is a simple and quick cheese to make at home, with a mild, milky, and tangy flavor. It is often enjoyed as a breakfast or snacking cheese, paired with vegetables such as tomatoes and cucumbers. To make Lebanese chive cheese, milk is curdled, drained, and salted, then pressed into a patty. The cheese can be spread on pita bread or used as a dip for crackers, carrots, or sweet baby peppers. It can also be stuffed into chicken breasts or mixed into mashed potatoes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Cream cheese, chives, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, dried onions |
| Chives | Fresh or dried; 2-4 teaspoons of dried chives or 2 tablespoons of fresh chives |
| Salt | Fine sea salt; optional |
| Garlic Powder | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Onion Powder | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Dried Onions | Minced |
| Preparation | Wash and dry chives, mince, beat cream cheese, add chives and salt, mix, chill |
| Serving Suggestions | Bagels, sandwiches, wraps, chicken breasts, mashed potatoes, crackers, dip |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Spread on bagels
Lebanese chive cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, one of the most popular being spreading it on bagels. Here are some detailed steps and tips for using Lebanese chive cheese as a spread on bagels:
Choosing the Right Bagel
Start by selecting a bagel that complements the cheese. Chewy, dense bagels with a slightly crispy exterior work well with creamy cheeses. Consider a plain bagel or choose a flavoured option like everything, onion, or poppy seed, depending on your preference.
Preparing the Cheese
Take the Lebanese chive cheese out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature before spreading. This ensures the cheese is soft and easy to spread. If you forget to take it out ahead of time, you can cut a piece to bring it to room temperature faster.
Spreading the Cheese
Use a knife to generously spread the Lebanese chive cheese onto the bagel. Don't be shy—a thick layer of cheese adds flavour and texture to your bite. Spread the cheese evenly across the bagel, ensuring it reaches the edges so that each bite has a good amount of cheese.
Adding Toppings
You can enjoy the bagel as is, or you can add some toppings to enhance the flavour and texture. Freshly chopped chives can be sprinkled on top for an extra burst of flavour. You can also add sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, or other vegetables. If you're feeling adventurous, a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning, or even a slice of smoked salmon can take your bagel to the next level.
Serving Suggestions
Lebanese chive cheese bagels are perfect for breakfast or brunch. They can also be a tasty afternoon snack. Serve the bagel with a side of fresh fruit, a cup of coffee or tea, or a glass of orange juice. Cut the bagel in half and use it as a base for an open-faced sandwich, or keep it whole for a heartier meal.
Remember, when it comes to adding toppings or choosing a bagel variety, feel free to experiment and find the combinations that you enjoy the most. The beauty of Lebanese chive cheese is that it serves as a delicious base for a wide range of bagel creations.
Cheese Options for Enchiladas: The Ultimate Guide
You may want to see also
Mix into mashed potatoes
Lebanese chive cheese, or labneh, is a tasty and low-calorie version of cream cheese. It can be a great addition to mashed potatoes, providing a creamy texture and a subtle tanginess. Here's a step-by-step guide to creating delicious Lebanese chive cheese mashed potatoes:
Ingredients:
- Lebanese chive cheese (labneh)
- Potatoes (preferably waxy or floury varieties for mashing)
- Milk (regular, cream, or non-dairy alternatives)
- Butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh or dried chives (optional, for extra flavour and garnish)
Method:
Start by washing and cutting the potatoes into similar-sized pieces, leaving the skins on or removing them according to your preference. Place the potatoes in a saucepan and cover them with cold water. Bring the water to a boil and let the potatoes cook until they are fork-tender, which usually takes around 15 to 25 minutes depending on the size of the pieces.
Once the potatoes are cooked, drain the water while keeping the potatoes in the pan. Add the Lebanese chive cheese, butter, milk, salt, and pepper. You can adjust the amount of milk used depending on your desired consistency for the mashed potatoes.
Using a potato masher or an electric mixer, blend the potatoes until they reach your desired level of smoothness and creaminess. If you prefer a coarser texture, use a potato masher, and for a smoother and creamier texture, use an electric mixer.
Finally, taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can garnish the mashed potatoes with freshly snipped chives for added flavour and colour. Serve immediately while hot, or keep warm until ready to serve.
Variations:
You can experiment with different types of potatoes, such as Red Bliss potatoes or new potatoes, to find your preferred variety for mashing. Additionally, you can try substituting the milk with sour cream, Greek yogurt, Neufchatel, or Mascarpone or using evaporated milk or broth for a different flavour profile.
Serving Suggestions:
Lebanese chive cheese mashed potatoes make a great side dish and pair well with grilled meat, such as steak, chicken, or beef. They can also be served with a simple cream sauce and steamed greens. For a heartier meal, try them with a roast or a beef stew.
Chicken Cordon Bleu: What Cheeses Melt Best?
You may want to see also
Stuff into chicken breasts
Lebanese chive cheese, or labneh, is a tasty, low-calorie version of cream cheese. It can be used in a variety of ways, including as a spread or dip, or as an ingredient in cooked dishes. Here is a recipe for chicken breasts stuffed with Lebanese chive cheese:
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- Lebanese chive cheese
- Toothpicks
- Salt
- Pepper
- Paprika
- Olive oil or sun-dried tomato oil
- Spinach
- Garlic
- Sun-dried tomatoes
Method
- Cut a 3-inch wide pocket into the side of each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through.
- Stuff each chicken breast with the Lebanese chive cheese, securing it with toothpicks.
- Sprinkle the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and sear each side until golden brown.
- Transfer the chicken to a preheated oven and bake at 375°F for 17-20 minutes, or until the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°.
- Rest for 5 minutes before serving with your choice of sides.
Variations
You can also add other ingredients to the stuffing, such as spinach, garlic, herbs, and sun-dried tomatoes. If you want to add a crispy coating to your chicken, you can set up a breading station with flour, eggs, and a breadcrumb mixture of your choice. Dip each stuffed chicken breast into the flour, then the egg, and finally the breadcrumbs before cooking.
Campbell's Cheddar Cheese Soup: Creative Comfort Food Ideas
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Serve as a dip with vegetables
Lebanese chive cheese can be served as a dip with vegetables. You can make a creamy, tangy, and flavourful dip with Lebanese chive cheese and some simple ingredients. This dip is perfect for any occasion and can be served with a variety of vegetables.
Ingredients:
- Lebanese chive cheese
- Sour cream (full-fat or low-fat) or Greek yogurt
- Mayonnaise (full-fat or light)
- Garlic (fresh or powder)
- Onion (fresh or powder)
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Lemon juice (optional)
- Olive oil (optional)
Directions:
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine Lebanese chive cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic, onion, salt, and black pepper.
- For added flavour and tanginess, add a squeeze of lemon juice and a drizzle of olive oil.
- Mix all the ingredients until well combined.
- Cover the bowl and chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- Serve the dip with a variety of fresh vegetables such as carrots, cucumbers, peppers, or salad vegetables.
- Enjoy the creamy and tasty dip with your favourite vegetables!
You can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences and create a dip that everyone will enjoy. This Lebanese chive cheese dip is a perfect snack or appetiser and can be made ahead of time, making it a convenient and delicious option for any occasion.
Cheese: A Universal Food or Cultural Divide?
You may want to see also
Spread on pita bread
Lebanese chive cheese, or Labneh, is a tasty and versatile ingredient. It can be used in a variety of ways, including spreading it on pita bread. Here are some detailed instructions and tips for spreading Lebanese chive cheese on pita bread:
Preparing the Cheese
Lebanese chive cheese is typically made with fresh cow's milk, rennet or vinegar, salt, zaatar seasoning, and lemon juice. The cheese has a creamy texture and a mild, tangy flavour. To prepare the cheese for spreading, follow these steps:
- Start with good-quality, fresh Lebanese chive cheese. You can also make your own cheese at home using the traditional Lebanese recipe.
- Allow the cheese to come to room temperature before spreading. This will make it easier to work with and ensure a smoother consistency.
- If desired, add additional herbs or spices to the cheese for extra flavour. For example, you could mix in some minced garlic or dried onions to enhance the onion flavour of the chives.
Spreading on Pita Bread
Now, it's time to spread the cheese on pita bread:
- Choose fresh, soft pita bread. You can use store-bought pita bread or make your own from scratch for a more authentic experience.
- Cut or tear the pita bread into desired sizes. You can cut it into triangles, halves, or leave it whole depending on your preference.
- Spread a generous amount of the Lebanese chive cheese onto the pita bread. Use a butter knife or spatula to evenly distribute the cheese, ensuring it covers the surface of the pita bread.
- If desired, sprinkle some additional chopped chives on top of the cheese for extra flavour and a pop of colour.
- You can also add other toppings such as chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, or olives to create a more substantial snack or meal.
Serving Suggestions
Once you've spread the cheese on the pita bread, there are several ways to serve it:
- Serve it as a delicious and simple snack or appetiser.
- Pair it with a cup of tea or a glass of wine for a relaxing afternoon treat.
- For a heartier meal, serve it alongside a bowl of soup or a fresh salad.
- Lebanese chive cheese on pita bread also makes a great breakfast option, providing a creamy and satisfying start to your day.
Remember, the key to enjoying Lebanese chive cheese on pita bread is to use fresh ingredients and adjust the toppings to your taste. Get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your favourite way to enjoy this delicious spread!
Cheese and Bacteria: A Perfect Pairing
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Lebanese chive cheese is a type of cream cheese that is made with chives and other ingredients such as olive oil, olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, and mint. It is a tasty and low-calorie alternative to regular cream cheese.
To make Lebanese chive cheese at home, you will need the following ingredients: cream cheese, chives, and salt. If you want to add an extra depth of flavor, you can also add garlic powder and onion powder. First, wash and mince the chives, then add the cream cheese to a bowl and beat it until it is smooth. Next, sprinkle in the minced chives and beat well. Finally, add a pinch of salt and mix again. Transfer the cheese to an airtight container and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
Lebanese chive cheese is a versatile spread that can be served in many ways. It can be spread on a bagel, used as a dip with crackers and vegetables, or spread on sandwiches or wraps. It can also be used as a filling for chicken breasts or mixed into mashed potatoes.
