Randy Chandler
Labneh is a soft, tangy Middle Eastern cheese with a thick, spreadable texture similar to cream cheese. It is made by straining yogurt to remove moisture and can be served as a dip or spread, or used in cooking. Labneh is considered a healthier alternative to cream cheese, with about half the fat and calories. It is often served drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with za'atar, a Middle Eastern spice blend.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Texture | Thick, creamy, spreadable |
| Taste | Tangy, salty, sour |
| Colour | White |
| Nutrition | High in calcium and protein, lower in fat and sodium than most dips |
| Use cases | Spread, dip, salad topping, sandwich filling, baking ingredient |
| Accompaniments | Olive oil, za'atar, herbs, spices, bread, crackers, fruit, vegetables |
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What You'll Learn
Labneh is a soft, tangy Middle Eastern cheese
The process of making labneh involves straining yogurt through a cheesecloth to remove excess liquid, resulting in a thick and creamy consistency. It is typically made with full-fat Greek yogurt, but non-fat yogurt can also be used. Salt is sometimes added to enhance the flavour and aid in the removal of water. The longer the yogurt is strained, the thicker the labneh becomes.
As a soft cheese, labneh is spreadable and can be used in place of cream cheese or sour cream in many recipes. It has a tangy flavour that cuts through richness and adds a refreshing taste. This makes it a popular ingredient in dips, spreads, and sauces. It can also be rolled into balls and marinated in olive oil, spices, and herbs, or served as a simple spread with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of za'atar.
Labneh is considered a healthy option as it is high in protein and calcium while being lower in fat and sodium compared to other dips and cheeses. It is a versatile ingredient that can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes, making it a popular choice in Middle Eastern cuisine.
In terms of taste, labneh is described as tangy and salty, with a thick and creamy texture. It is similar to Greek yogurt but with a more pronounced tanginess. The flavour can vary depending on the type of milk used, with goat's milk being the traditional choice.
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It is made from strained yogurt
Labneh is a soft cheese made from strained yogurt. It is a staple of Middle Eastern cuisine and is often classified as a "yogurt cheese". The process of making labneh involves straining yogurt to remove moisture, resulting in a thick and creamy consistency. This can be done by placing the yogurt in a cheesecloth-lined colander over a bowl and allowing it to strain in the fridge for several hours or up to a day. The longer the yogurt is left to drain, the thicker the labneh becomes.
Labneh is traditionally made with goat's milk yogurt, but it can also be made with full-fat Greek yogurt or other types of yogurt. It is often seasoned with salt, which also helps to remove excess water, and can be mixed with herbs and spices such as za'atar, a traditional Middle Eastern spice blend.
The texture of labneh is similar to that of cream cheese, and it can be used as a substitute for cream cheese or other cheeses in various dishes. It has a tangy and salty flavour, making it more suitable for savoury applications rather than sweet ones. Labneh can be served as a dip with bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables, or spread on sandwiches, bagels, or toast. It can also be used as a topping for grilled meats or added to salads, pizzas, or flatbreads.
In terms of nutritional value, labneh is high in calcium and protein, and it is lower in fat and sodium compared to other dips or cheeses. It is also a good source of gut-healthy probiotics.
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It can be used as a dip, spread, or stir-in ingredient
Labneh is a soft cheese, similar in texture to cream cheese, and is made from strained yogurt. It is a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine and is considered healthy due to its high calcium and protein content, as well as its lower fat and sodium levels compared to other dips.
The versatility of labneh makes it an excellent choice for a variety of culinary applications. One of its most common uses is as a dip. Its thick and creamy texture makes it perfect for dipping bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables. It can be served simply with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of za'atar, a traditional Middle Eastern spice blend, or you can add other herbs and spices to create your own unique flavour profile.
Labneh also works well as a spread. Its soft and spreadable consistency allows it to be easily spread on bread, bagels, crostini, or toast. It can be used as a substitute for cream cheese or mascarpone, adding a tangy twist to your favourite recipes. Spread it on a bagel or toast, or use it as a sandwich spread for a creamy and savoury addition to your meal.
In addition to its use as a dip and spread, labneh is also excellent as a stir-in ingredient. It can be stirred into cooked dishes, adding a creamy texture and a tangy flavour. Use it as a substitute for sour cream or milk in your recipes, or stir it into sauces to add a creamy and tangy twist. It can also be used in baking applications, such as a replacement for cream cheese or mascarpone in cheesecake recipes, resulting in a lighter and tangier dessert.
The versatility of labneh doesn't stop there. It can also be used as a topping for grilled meats, added to charcuterie boards, or incorporated into salads, pizzas, or flatbreads. Its ability to complement both sweet and savoury flavours makes it a versatile ingredient in a variety of dishes.
With its unique flavour and texture, labneh is a delicious and healthy addition to any meal. Its versatility as a dip, spread, or stir-in ingredient makes it a valuable ingredient in any kitchen, adding a touch of Middle Eastern flavour to your culinary creations.
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It is served with olive oil and za'atar
Labneh is a soft cheese made from strained yogurt and salt. It has a thick consistency, similar to that of Greek yogurt or cream cheese, and a tangy, salty flavour.
When served with olive oil and za'atar, labneh becomes a delicious dip or spread. The olive oil and za'atar add an earthy, nutty roundness to the labneh's tangy, savoury flavour profile. Za'atar is an herb and spice blend that traditionally includes thyme, oregano, marjoram, sesame seeds, sumac and salt. However, there are many variations, with different cultures using ingredients like nuts, coriander and cumin.
To prepare the dish, the labneh is spread out in a thin layer on a plate or platter, creating a well in the centre. Olive oil is then poured into the well, and za'atar is sprinkled on top. It is often garnished with sprigs of dill and served with pita bread, chips or crudités.
This combination of labneh, olive oil and za'atar is a simple, quick and tasty way to enjoy labneh, either as a snack or appetiser. It is a great introduction to Middle Eastern cuisine and can be easily prepared at home with store-bought or homemade ingredients.
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It is a healthy, high-protein food
Labneh is a healthy, high-protein food that is a staple in many kitchens. It is a soft cheese, similar in texture and taste to cream cheese, but with the added tang of yogurt. It is made by straining yogurt to remove the whey, which results in a thick, creamy, spreadable cheese-like substance. This process also removes some of the sugar and fat content, making it a healthier alternative to cream cheese, with about half the fat and calories.
Labneh is a good source of protein and calcium and is lower in fat and sodium than other dips. It is often made with goat's milk, but can also be made with cow's milk or non-dairy alternatives such as coconut and soy yogurt. The longer the yogurt is strained, the thicker the labneh becomes, and the easier it is to roll into balls. These balls can be marinated in a jar of olive oil, za'atar, and herbs such as oregano, and then spread on toasted bread or added to salads or hot pasta.
Labneh is a versatile ingredient that can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes. It can be served as a dip with bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables, or as a spread on sandwiches, bagels, or toast. It can also be used in cooking, as a substitute for cream cheese or sour cream in recipes such as cheesecakes, or as a sauce to serve with grilled or roasted meat. Its high protein content makes it a satisfying and nutritious addition to any meal or snack.
Labneh is easy to make at home and can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To make it last longer, it can be completely covered in olive oil and will stay good for a couple of months. Its versatility and health benefits make it a popular and nutritious addition to any diet.
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Frequently asked questions
Labneh is a Middle Eastern soft cheese with a tangy, salty flavour. It is made from strained yogurt and has a thick, creamy texture similar to cream cheese.
Labneh is typically served as a dip with bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables. It can also be used as a spread on sandwiches or bagels, or as a replacement for cream cheese or sour cream in recipes.
Labneh is a thick, creamy, and spreadable cheese that is often formed into balls and marinated in olive oil and spices.
Labneh is made from strained yogurt, traditionally using goat's or cow's milk. It can also be made from nondairy yogurts such as coconut or soy yogurt.
