Labneh (Lebanese Strained Yogurt Spread)
Local name: لبنة
In short: Thick, tangy yogurt cheese made by straining salted yogurt overnight, spread on a plate with olive oil and dried mint or za'atar. It takes about 10 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 0 min
- Resting
- 24 h
- Total
- 10 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 135 kcal
Labneh is the creamy, tangy strained yogurt that Lebanese families keep in the fridge for breakfast, sandwiches and mezze. It takes nothing but yogurt, salt and patience: the whey drains away overnight and leaves a spread as thick as soft cheese. Serve it on a plate with a pool of olive oil, dried mint or za'atar, and olives, with warm bread for scooping.
Instructions
- Stir the salt into the yogurt in a bowl until evenly mixed.
- Line a fine sieve or colander with a double layer of cheesecloth or a clean thin cotton towel and set it over a deep bowl. Pour in the yogurt.
- Gather the corners of the cloth, tie them into a bundle and hang or set it back in the sieve. Refrigerate for 24 hours for a soft spread, or up to 48 hours for a firmer labneh.
- Discard the whey, or save it for bread dough. Scrape the labneh into a bowl and stir until smooth.
- Spread the labneh on a plate and swirl the surface with a spoon. Drizzle with the olive oil, sprinkle with dried mint or za'atar and serve with the olives and vegetables.
Tips
- Use plain full-fat yogurt without added starch or gelatin, which can stop the whey from draining. Greek-style yogurt works too and drains in 6 to 12 hours.
- For labneh balls, drain for 48 hours until firm, roll into 3 cm (1 1/4 in) balls and store them in a jar completely covered with olive oil in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Questions and answers
How long does labneh keep?
Plain labneh keeps for about 1 week in a covered container in the fridge. Balls kept under olive oil last up to 2 weeks if refrigerated and fully submerged.
Can I use low-fat yogurt?
Yes, but the result is less creamy and a little more sour. Use full-fat yogurt if you can.
What do you serve with labneh?
Warm bread, olives, cucumbers, tomatoes and mint make the classic breakfast plate. It is also spread in sandwiches and served beside kibbeh and grilled meats.
How long does it take to make Labneh (Lebanese Strained Yogurt Spread)?
About 10 min in total: 10 min of preparation and 0 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Labneh (Lebanese Strained Yogurt Spread)?
About 135 kcal per serving, with 5 g of protein, 3 g of carbohydrates and 12 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 135 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 3 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 380 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
