How to Make Labneh: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making labneh, a creamy and tangy Middle Eastern dip, is surprisingly easy and budget-friendly. This yoghurt-based spread is not only delicious but also nutritious. Labneh is packed with protein and probiotics that aid in digestion and boost overall health. If you’ve never tried labneh before, it’s time to give it a go and impress your friends and family with your culinary skills.

To make labneh, you only need a few simple ingredients and a little bit of patience. Unlike other dips that require fancy equipment or lots of prep work, labneh is a straightforward recipe that can be done with minimal effort and kitchen tools. In this article, we will guide you through the easy steps to make labneh from scratch. We’ll also provide you with some tips and variations to customize the recipe to your liking. So, let’s get started and learn how to make this delicious and healthy dip at home!

What You Need to Make Labneh

Before you get started making labneh, it is important to have all the necessary ingredients and equipment on hand. Here is a list of everything you will need to make this delicious and healthy strained yogurt cheese:

Milk:

The first ingredient you will need to make labneh is high-quality milk. The type of milk you use will determine the final flavor and consistency of your labneh. Full-fat cow’s milk is the most commonly used milk for making labneh, but you can also use goat’s milk, sheep’s milk, or soy milk if you prefer.

Yogurt:

To make labneh, you will need to start with plain, unsweetened yogurt. You can use store-bought yogurt or make your own homemade yogurt. The yogurt is what gives the labneh its tangy flavor and sets the stage for the straining process.

Salt:

Salt is an important ingredient in making labneh, as it helps to draw out the moisture from the yogurt, which is what turns it into cheese. You will need a good quality salt that is not too coarse, such as sea salt or kosher salt.

Cheesecloth:

To strain the yogurt and turn it into labneh, you will need a piece of cheesecloth. Cheesecloth is a light, mesh-like fabric that allows the liquid to drain away while keeping the solids inside.

Bowl:

You will need a large mixing bowl to combine the yogurt and salt and then to strain the mixture. A bowl with a pour spout will make pouring the labneh easier, but it is not necessary.

Strainer:

To strain the yogurt, you will need a strainer that fits over the mixing bowl. A fine-mesh strainer or a colander lined with cheesecloth will work well.

Plate:

Once you have strained the yogurt and turned it into labneh, you will need a plate to shape it into a ball or disc. Choose a plate that is the size and shape you want your labneh to be.

Herbs and Spices:

To flavor your labneh, you can add a variety of herbs and spices. Some popular options include garlic, dill, mint, za’atar, sumac, and chili flakes.

Olive Oil:

To serve your labneh, you will need a good quality olive oil. Drizzle the olive oil over the top of the labneh for flavor and to give it a shiny appearance.

Food Processor:

If you want to make a creamy, smooth labneh, you can use a food processor to blend the strained yogurt until it is completely smooth. This is optional and not necessary, but it does make for a smoother texture.

Once you have gathered all of your ingredients and equipment, you are ready to get started making your own delicious labneh from scratch!

Ingredients for Making Labneh

Before we dive into the step-by-step process of making labneh, let’s take a look at the necessary ingredients. To make labneh, all you need are three simple ingredients:

• 2 cups of plain, full-fat yogurt (preferably Greek yogurt)
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil (optional)

Steps to Make Labneh

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s get started with the step-by-step process of making labneh! Follow these easy steps and you’ll be enjoying delicious, homemade labneh in no time.

Step 1: Prep Work

Line a fine-mesh strainer with cheesecloth and place it over a bowl. Ensure the cheesecloth is big enough to fold over the top of the strainer.

Step 2: Mix Yogurt and Salt

In a mixing bowl, combine the yogurt and salt. Mix well until the salt dissolves completely.

Step 3: Transfer Mixture to Cheesecloth

Gently pour the yogurt mixture into the cheesecloth-lined strainer. Fold over the cheesecloth to completely cover the top of the mixture.

Step 4: Let it Sit

Allow the mixture to sit for at least 8 hours or overnight in a cool, dry place. The longer you let it sit, the thicker the labneh will become.

Step 5: Remove Labneh

Once the labneh has set to your desired consistency, remove the cheesecloth from the strainer and discard any excess liquid that may have accumulated in the bowl.

Step 6: Shape the Labneh (Optional)

You can choose to shape your labneh into balls, logs, or any desired shape. Simply use your hands to form the labneh into your desired shape.

Step 7: Add Olive Oil (Optional)

For added flavor, drizzle some olive oil over the labneh.

Step 8: Store the Labneh

Store the labneh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Step 9: Serve the Labneh

When ready to serve, take the labneh out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. This will soften the labneh and make it easier to spread.

Step 10: Enjoy!

Labneh can be enjoyed in many ways, spread over bread, crackers, or as a dip for veggies. Get creative and enjoy your homemade labneh!

Ingredients needed for making Labneh

Labneh, also known as yogurt cheese, is a Middle Eastern creamy and tangy spread that is commonly used as a dip for vegetables or as a spread on pita bread. The simple recipe requires few ingredients and can be made in just a few easy steps.

Here are the ingredients you will need to make delicious labneh:

Steps to make labneh

Step 1: Strain the yogurt

Start by pouring the plain yogurt into a cheesecloth or a muslin bag. Tie it up and hang it over a bowl to drain for 12-24 hours. The longer you let it drain, the thicker the labneh will be. If you don’t have a cheesecloth, you can use a clean dish towel instead.

Step 2: Add salt

After 12-24 hours, take the strained yogurt and place it in a mixing bowl. Add the salt and mix well.

Step 3: Add flavorings (optional)

If desired, you can add minced garlic and freshly chopped herbs to the labneh for added flavor.

Step 4: Serve or store

Drizzle the labneh with extra virgin olive oil and serve as a dip with fresh vegetables or pita bread. Alternatively, you can store the labneh in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Step 5: Enjoy!

Serve and enjoy your homemade labneh with your favorite accompaniments.

Tips for Making Perfect Labneh

Here are some tips to ensure that your labneh comes out perfect every time:

Tip 1: Use high-quality yogurt

To achieve the best results, choose a high-quality, full-fat yogurt that has no added sugar or flavors.

Tip 2: Don’t skip the salting step

Adding salt to the yogurt helps to draw out the liquid, making the labneh thicker and creamier.

Tip 3: Experiment with flavorings

Labneh is delicious on its own, but it can also be enhanced with different herbs, spices, and other toppings. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your favorite combination.

Tip 4: Be patient

The key to making perfect labneh is patience. The longer you strain the yogurt, the thicker and creamier the labneh will be. Allow the yogurt to drain for at least 12 hours, or even up to 24 hours, for the best results.

Tip 5: Save the liquid

Don’t throw away the liquid (whey) that drains from the yogurt. It can be added to smoothies, used in baking, or even used as a substitute for buttermilk in recipes.

Time to Create Your Own Delicious Labneh

Well, that’s it! Now you know how to make labneh from scratch. It’s super easy, and you can customize it to your liking. So, go ahead, grab your cheesecloth, and start preparing your first batch of labneh. And remember, if you have any questions or suggestions, don’t hesitate to leave a comment below. Thanks for reading, and see you in the next article!