Labneh

Labneh (also spelled Lebneh or Labne) is a Middle Eastern strained yogurt cheese — you can think of it as a cross between Greek yogurt and cream cheese. It’s made by straining yogurt to remove most of its whey, which makes it thick, creamy, and tangy. The texture can range from soft and spreadable (like cream cheese) to very thick and firm (if you strain it longer).

It’s super versatile:

• Served as a dip with olive oil and spices (za'atar, sumac, or chili flakes).

• Spread on bread or flatbreads like pita.

• Used in sandwiches and wraps.

• Served alongside roasted vegetables or grilled meats.

Flavor-wise, it’s mildly tangy, creamy, and rich but still feels fresh because of the yogurt base.

Bonus: it’s also healthy! It’s high in protein, probiotics (if you’re using live-culture yogurt), and lower in lactose because of the straining.

Homemade Labneh

Ingredients:

• 4 cups (about 950 ml) full-fat plain yogurt (Greek yogurt or regular yogurt both work)

• 1 teaspoon salt

For decoration:

• Olive oil, for drizzling

• Fresh mint (we used fresh instead of dried — works great!)

• Harissa paste, in the center (for a spicy kick)

Instructions:

1. Mix the yogurt and salt: In a bowl, combine the yogurt and salt, and stir well until smooth.

2. Prepare to strain: Line a fine mesh strainer with a few layers of cheesecloth or a clean kitchen towel. Place the strainer over a large bowl to catch the liquid (whey).

3. Strain the yogurt: Pour the salted yogurt into the lined strainer. Gather the cloth edges and tie them securely. You can also twist the top to form a bundle.

4. Drain: Place the whole setup in the refrigerator and let it drain for at least 12 hours (for creamy labneh) or up to 24 hours (for thicker, spreadable labneh).

5. Serve and decorate: Transfer the labneh to a serving plate. Use the back of a spoon to make a little well in the center.

   • Spoon a dollop of harissa into the center.

   • Generously drizzle with olive oil.

   • Sprinkle chopped fresh mint over the top for freshness and color.

You can also easily buy it in many grocery stores or Middle Eastern markets. Look for it in the cheese or specialty dairy section!