God bless the bloggers who so generously share! Follow this easy labneh recipe using just two basic ingredients. I really can’t wait to wow my guests with this one. Jars look cooler. Thanks for subscribing! Hi, Nicole! © 2020 The View From Great Island. You can certainly spread it on sandwiches or use it as you would cream cheese. The only difference between labneh and Greek yoghurt is the addition of salt. Hopping over to check your labneh recipe! Please check your email to confirm your subscription! Watch the top of the labneh jar, if anything begins to change color or look odd, it is starting to go bad. Amazon Associates is designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Once you've put in your yoghurt balls you can top up with olive oil and add other flavourings to your taste. Cheers! That post was all about the basics: how to make a gloriously creamy strained yogurt cheese without any special equipment. ), zaatar & green olives Almost everyone knows hummus, but are you familiar with Labneh ? If you think of Greek yogurt as strained yogurt, labneh is extra strained  yogurt. I love the variety but I think this would work just as well with one type of coating, if you have a favorite. You just drain plain yogurt until it becomes thick and spreadable. As my mother would say , what kind of a Syrian are you!! So creative and beautiful! Strain cheese until it is dry enough to be rolled into a ball without being too sticky.strained kefir cheese2. Just like Greek yogurt, it is made by straining yogurt until it loses most of its liquid. Wow! Serve with the toasted pita wedges, or crostini alongside tomato slices, fresh mint and/or arugula leaves. As I tend to like fresh cheese in spherical form, I was instantly drawn to Marianna's homemade labneh, a creamy, fresh, Middle Eastern cheese made from strained yogurt and preserved in olive oil. A few of my coatings might not be available in your regular grocery store, so I suggest a gourmet store, or buying them online. After several hours, the whey strains out, leaving you with a delightfully thick spreadable cheese. Serving couldn’t be simpler…set our a bowl of the labneh balls, and some great bread, then let everyone have fun hunting for their favorites. Labneh is a delicious Middle Eastern spread-speciality made from yoghurt and over a period of days then transformed into a delicious fresh cheese with a creamy texture and a hint of yoghurt sournesss. Labneh is a spreadable Syrian cheese made from strained yogurt. If you love to eat, you’ve come to the right place because I dish it up fast and fresh here at TVFGI. Labneh rolled in za'atar is amazing, Katrina. Hi Penny. If sealed properly, and the olive oil covers it well, it should last well. Line a fine-mesh sieve with 2 layers of cheesecloth and set over a medium bowl. this wins recipe of the day for me! Hang from a kitchen sink faucet to drain for 24 to 48 hours. Labneh has a consistency like cream cheese but fewer calories and a slightly tangier flavor. Sue, did you use regular yogurt or greek yogurt? I especially loved your cheese balls as I am planning a milestone birthday party and will also be serving up these spectacular ‘rainbow’ dips found online https://www.foodiesofsa.com/bean-dips-4-ways. I highly recommend this Early Harvest EVOO here. Allow to strain 2-3 days. Salt kefir cheese to taste and roll into balls. Remove the strained yogurt from the cheesecloth and form 1 oz. Please join me and our growing community! An Eat Your Books index lists the main ingredients and does not include 'store-cupboard ingredients' (salt, pepper, oil, flour, etc.) An Elite CafeMedia Food Publisher.Privacy policy. They’re little conversation starters, for sure . Hi Gloria...not quite the same. Strain yogurt for around 4 hours and you get thick unctuous Greek style yogurt, strain it for 2 days and you get labneh. My mission? What fat % is whole milk yogurt? Serve with a fresh sliced baguette, then let everyone have fun choosing their favorites and spreading them onto the bread…it’s the perfect way to get your next party started! If Greek Yiayias (grandmothers) perfected the making of yogurt, Middle Eastern Tatas can absolutely claim labneh expertise. Those colours are fabulous I could do some serious damage with a bowl of these! Thank you for your help! Jewel Box Labneh Balls ~ these little gems are made with homemade yogurt cheese rolled in colorful herbs and spices. Please review Nutrition Disclosure. Turning The Yogurt into Labneh Lay the muslin cloth into a bowl and pour the yogurt into the muslin cloth, you can either wrap the cloth and put it... After this time, the result should be a thick, creamy texture with a slightly tangy taste and a hit of salt. But you don’t have to, Greek will work, and low fat will work too. Cover gently with the overhang of the linen towel, or another linen towel. Follow Marianna's directions to make it at home; it's part of a typical Middle Eastern breakfast! Place the balls in a large sterilized, airtight jar and pour extra virgin olive oil to cover. If the coatings don't adhere well, lightly coat your … Hate to admit it but I've just lately heard of this! Enjoy your birthday . These are so pretty Sue! I would like to try before, but does the extra ingredients cause them to go bad more quickly? Always check the publication for a full list of ingredients. If you feel like jazzing things up more, use labneh as the centerpiece to a pretty veggie board like we have today. Tangy, thick, and creamy, labneh (also known as labnah or labne) is basically yogurt cheese. I was born and raised in the cosmopolitan Mediterranean city of Port Said, Egypt, a "boat ride" away from places like Italy, Greece, Turkey, Lebanon, Palestine and Israel. I just want to clarify, you strain the yogurt in cloth for 24-48 hours at room temp? Hi there! Making Labneh is not complicated, but it does require patience. Labneh is Middle Eastern yogurt cheese. Lavender ~ also specifically culinary grade, here. And she never made this! Labneh making is simple. Welcome to my table. Just want to make sure im buying the right yogurt! The excess liquid will … Serve with a fresh sliced baguette, then let everyone have fun choosing their favorites and spreading them onto the bread...it's the perfect way to get your next party started! ... On a trip to the Middle East, I found it common practise to roll thick labneh into balls and leave them to marinate in olive oil. Greek-Style Baked Cod Recipe with Lemon and Garlic, Easy Authentic Falafel Recipe: Step-by-Step, Simple Baked Cilantro Lime Chicken with a Mediterranean Twist, Easy Hummus Recipe (Authentic and Homemade), Avgolemono Soup Recipe (Greek Lemon Chicken Soup). This is a totally new concept for me, and I Love it! Place a sieve over a medium mixing bowl. They will keep well for a few weeks at room temperature. By subscribing for FREE, you will receive a weekly meal plan, plus new recipes! Labneh balls alongside magdous (will blog about magdous very soon! This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Thanks Chris, I think there’s a lot of possibilities. Simple to make, labneh is a strained yoghurt cheese with a spreadable texture and a sour, yoghurty flavour. To better preserve your labneh, you can form it into balls that are about 1 tablespoon each in size. Homemade labneh Recipe--AKA tangy, thick, creamy yogurt cheese. And check your spam folder in case you cannot find our email! Rose petals ~ this is a culinary grade and you can find them here. Love beautiful food. Use natural goat's milk yogurt, or, if unavailable, natural full-fat cow's milk yogurt, but not the Greek varieties. A little tangy and super creamy. I cannot wait to make these – I need to plan a party! I would love to make my own kefir cheese. 3. Recently I posted How to Make Labneh (Yogurt Cheese.) Hi Darla, you can sign up for our e-mail list here: http://eepurl.com/bEH85v, Your email address will not be published. ~ I first encountered the concept of these beautiful cheese balls on sbs.com. I have my labneh rolled into balls and in the refrigerator, waiting to be added to some olive oil. Do it the Middle Eastern way—spread in a bowl with a pool of excellent olive oil and topped with a generous sprinkle of Za'atar spice. You need natural goat’s milk yogurt, or quality full-fat cow’s milk yogurt, and a little salt. Or simply use it in place of cream cheese. I chose to use a mix of common spices and more exotic ones, everything from dill and chili flakes to sumac and lavender. If you think of Greek yogurt as strained yogurt, labneh is extra strained yogurt. I love this idea, so fun and so very pretty! If the coatings don't adhere well, lightly coat your hands in olive oil and roll the cheese between your palms to leave a thin film of oil behind. Aleppo pepper, a bright red zesty Syrian pepper, you can find it here. Is it ok to leave it out for 24-48 hours? How To Make Labneh Cheese Balls. Place your labneh balls snugly into a sterilised/ very clean jar or sealable container. Your email address will not be published. 1. Try flavouring the oil with lemon zest and herbs, leave them for a couple of weeks in the fridge and see for yourself: a game-changing appetiser! I’m really looking forward to having some fresh lebneh, I can’t find any around my city. View … Welcome to The Mediterranean Dish, your #1 resource for Mediterranean recipes & lifestyle. Read More about Suzy, Subscribe for FREE and we'll email you a weekly meal plan, new recipes, plus a FREE copy of my. Love all the different coatings…really amazing! You probably have several of these already in your spice cabinet, and you may want to purchase a few more if you get turned on by this idea like I did. Cover the jar tightly and leave at room temperature or in the fridge, if you live in a warm area. Serve spread on crackers or crusty bread … This is a gorgeous jewel box of goodness, to be sure! Just like Greek yogurt, it is made by straining yogurt until it loses most of its liquid. I have the kefir grains at home and drink the kefir milk and cook with the kefir milk as well. To store, put the cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Today we’re making Jewel Box Labneh Balls ~ these little gems are made with homemade yogurt cheese rolled in colorful herbs and spices. These look just gorgeous. ", Delicious alternative to cream cheese!!! Enjoy the same thrill of discovery I felt when I stumbled across both your cheeseballs and this dip idea. Serve it Middle Eastern-style as a dip with lots of olive oil and a sprinkle of good Za'atar. Roll the strained yoghurt into small balls and place into sterilised jars half filled with olive oil. Store homemade labneh in the fridge in a tightly-closed container for up to 2 weeks. https://hadiaslebanesecuisine.com/newsite/recipe-items/yogurt-balls-labne-balls Stir in the olive oil. ~ The View from Great Island is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Learn how your comment data is processed. Easy Homemade Labneh Recipe. Let’s get down to the nitty gritty ~ you’re going need fresh made labneh balls (here’s the recipe for labneh from my earlier post)  and you’re simply going to roll them in different herbs and spices to coat them. Fill a jar halfway with olive oil. I do keep mine in the fridge still even though you do not have to. I can attest, Lisa, these are such fun and very tasty. Also, if flavored before could I do a few different flavors, such as some rolled in za’atar and some in a different seasoning, and put them in the same jar of oil, or would that just muddle the flavors together? Hi Nathan, the yogurt container should clearly state "Whole Milk Yogurt." Hi! There are so many possibilities, and what a beautiful presentation for a party! Spicy Labneh Balls Labneh, or yogurt cheese is a Lebanese specialty. Or turn it into a luscious dip with cranberries and herbs like this recipe. We use “fresh from the cow” yogurt, but quality store yogurt will also work. The herbs and spices will stick to the cheese more easily. And as a thank you, I will give you a FREE copy of my e-Cookbook to get started! Place the balls on a large plate … (Alternatively, set a large sieve, lined with linen towel over a deep bowl. ★☆ It is very easy and so delicious--it is what cream cheese wants to be when it grows up! What a wonderful, enticing appetizer these would be! Once you make labneh at home, I'm confident you'll find many ways to enjoy it! Best used within 24 hours, but the plain cheese will last a week or so. Place regular greek yogurt in your yogurt strainer or in a coffee filter with a container below to catch the liquid as it separates. These are gorgeous gems Sue! 60 Comments. It is essentially the third evolution of (strained) yogurt. I highly recommend trying them, they’re not only fun to make and pretty to look at, but when you spread them on good crusty bread they’re absolutely delicious. Add the yogurt mixture. Examples are: Chilli, peppercorns, fresh thyme, fresh rosemary or paprika. Keep for up to 1 week. Great comment Lisa, love the rainbow dips, I’ve got more than a few post-it notes leading me in that direction. To store any of the extra labneh balls without dukkah mixture, place in a clean sterilized jar and our enough extra virgin olive oil to completely immerse them. Store at room temperature, out of direct sunlight. Sumac and zaatar and nigella seeds are as easy to find here as salt and pepper too so it’s going to be a breeze to put this together. balls with your hands or a cookie scoop. I use Diamond Crystal Kosher salt. Stir the salt into the yogurt, place it into a muslin or linen cloth and hang from the kitchen faucet. Can you send your posts including recipes to my email please? Labneh balls also make for a wonderful appetizer if you make them small enough. Labneh balls: A common way to store labneh is to roll it into small balls and preserve them in olive oil. - unless called for in significant quantity. All that’s required for this recipe is yoghurt and salt – which encourages the whey to drain off – plus a large square of cheesecloth or muslin and a little patience. I buy it at the store but prefer making at home. Close jar. I absolutely LOVE this idea and, as I live in Israel, I can just pop across to any supermarket and buy ready made labneh balls to roll in different spices. Or serve it as part of a mezze platter. I wonder is Labneh the same thing as kefir? What a wonderful lunch they make. ★☆ I want to flavor them, and have seen some recipes where they are flavored before being put in the oil and some after. Today, influenced by my mother's tasty kitchen, and my extensive travels, I share easy wholesome recipes with big Mediterranean flavors. You can serve them plain or rolled in zaatar, sesame seeds, parsley, sumac, or pepper.You can even serve a platter of labneh balls rolled in different toppings, they make for a very pretty and tasty appetizer. I used regular yogurt, full fat. Place it in a large strainer over a deep bowl and transfer it to the refrigerator. They look fun, colorful and beautiful! Simple and basic, It looks amazing and delicious I will try it today and send my feedback soon. Hi, Rebecca! What is the Mediterranean Diet and How to Follow It, Mediterranean Diet Food List: 5 Foods You Need, Favorite Mediterranean Diet Cookbooks (part 1), Homemade Labneh Recipe (How to Make Labneh). Set aside on the counter, or in the fridge, to drain for 24-48 hours), To serve, spread labneh in a bowl and top with. Line the sieve with a piece of double … Check your email to confirm your subscription! Remove the labneh from the fridge, unwrap, and rolling the labneh into small balls. Amazon Associates is designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Tangy, thick, and creamy, labneh (also known as labnah or labne) is basically yogurt cheese. Lay the labneh on a baking tray and refrigerate for at least 2 hours up to one night to firm up a bit. Then refrigerate it? I want to just grab one and gobble it up. Shaped into balls and covered in olive oil (the traditional way to store this cheese), labneh will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 months. This post may include affiliate links. Spread the dried thyme, paprika, and cumin out on their own plate. You need natural goat’s milk yogurt, or quality full-fat cow’s milk yogurt, and a little salt. After draining for the 24 hours, transfer the resulting cheese to a bowl. Wow, Sue! Labneh making is simple. I can not wait to try it!! They are such a great party food! Copyright © 2020 The Mediterranean Dish. I’d love to do a beautiful cheese plate and scatter them around. This homemade labneh recipe is an alternative to cream cheese (a little lighter, perhaps). Store in a … Get started today on the world's healthiest Diet!! Hi, can you make the labneh with low hat yogurt to cut down on the calories? To get you fired up about good food! Spiced Labneh. Nigella seeds ~ a smokey/oniony black seed that look like black sesame seeds, you can find them here. You can also serve the balls as a part of a cheese or mezze platter, or on top of a salad. ★☆. Strain the yoghurt. I so love having you here! Sue they look absolutely beautiful. To give labneh as a present, or to preserve it to take on holiday, roll mini balls of curd in a mix of dried herbs and dried chilli flakes. If this is your first time, click here for detailed instructions. Stir the salt into the yogurt, place it into a muslin or linen cloth an… Let time do the hard work. The only kind that doesn’t work as well is a very runny, thin yogurt. Required fields are marked *, Rate this recipe These jewel box labneh balls are such a great idea for host gifts…instead of a bottle of wine bring along a little container of these gems, you’ll get invited back, for sure! Create Labneh Cheese Balls or a simple Labneh … Will it go bad? Homemade labneh is a healthy fresh cheese that’s beloved all over the Middle East, from Iraq to Israel. Any longer is unknown territory for us. They’d be wonderful to tuck in a lunch box too – I would look forward to that all morning! Place the cheese balls in a jar and fill with olive oil, an additional teaspoon of za'atar and the chives. Privacy Policy. Pick up the edges of the towel and tie at the top. Keep refrigerated up to one week. Takes only a couple steps to make with this easy recipe. As long as long as the labneh is rolled into small balls and submerged in olive oil, it can sit out at room temperature for 2-4 weeks. Let me call out at the top of this post that these are really REALLY good. ★☆ I’m turning those silky little balls of yogurt cheese into a truly spectacular appetizer. Roll each labneh ball in the coating of your choice. I like nylon bags … Line a large colander with a cheese cloth or a very light kitchen towel. I need to make labneh balls so I can make your delicious recipe. Stir in salt. Add the labneh balls into the cooled and sterilized jar and cover with oil. Wow, how clever! To do so, once the labneh is ready, roll it into 1 inch balls. Garnish with the red onions you set aside, and serve. Refrigerate for 24 hours. For something a little fancier, shape into small balls, about 1 tablespoon of labneh each (the aged labneh will be stiff enough to hold a ball shape), and leave them uncovered on a tray in the fridge for 12 hours, until they have slightly dried out. Serve the cheese with fresh crusty bread or crackers. Mix 2 cups plain whole-milk or 2% Greek yogurt and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt in a small bowl. Place the labneh in a clean jar with herbs, chili flakes, and garlic, cover with oil. The choice of coatings is up to you, but I think the more varied the better. Line the strainer with a fine mesh nylon straining bag (or 2 layers of cheesecloth.) One shared inspirational pin deserves another. Pour the yogurt mixture into the towel. I don’t know how you make everything look so beautiful – and these little balls of Labneh are fantastic. Keywords: Labneh, homemade labneh, homemade labneh recipe, labneh recipe, how to make labneh, Middle Eastern yogurt cheese, Tag @themediterraneandish on Instagram and hashtag it #themediterraneandish, Cranberry and Herb Labneh with Homemade Pita Chips, Filed Under: Appetizer and Mezze, Dips and Condiments, How To, Lebanese Recipes, Mediterranean Diet Recipes, Middle Eastern Recipes, Party Menus, Vegetarian Tagged With: cheese, cheese board, extra virgin olive oil, labneh, mezze, yogurt, za'atar. Be sure to check your email and confirm your subscription. Make milk kefir cheese. Add more oil, if necessary to cover the balls.4. Can you send me a recipe if possible.Thanks for your reply. Labneh is made of whole milk yogurt that's been strained a while until it loses most of its liquid. Za’atar ~ a Middle Eastern spice blend (also the name of a specific thyme-like herb) that you can find here. The cheese spreads beautifully, and each ball is perfectly sized for a single serving. Cover with olive oil, until all labneh balls are fully immersed. https://www.foodiesofsa.com/bean-dips-4-ways. Add kefir cheese balls. Once you add the za'atar and place the balls of labneh in a sterilized jar then top with extra virgin olive oil. I'm Suzy. Line another large bowl with a linen or muslin towel (or several layers of cheesecloth.) All Rights Reserved. A drizzle of olive oil makes this spreadable dip ultra-luxurious. Roll each labneh ball in the coating of your choice. Room temperature, out of direct sunlight and preserve them in are fantastic spices and exotic! Easy wholesome recipes with big Mediterranean flavors third evolution of ( strained ) yogurt. those the... The next Great flavor the strained yogurt from the cow ” yogurt, labneh ( also as! Of this dip, use labneh as the centerpiece to a pretty veggie like... ) yogurt., enticing appetizer these would be just two basic ingredients try it today and send my soon! Are never fussy and always exciting ~ there are 1600 and counting on the calories cheese without special! Cheese to taste and roll into balls around my city, unwrap, and low fat will,! Cheese but fewer calories and a little salt place of cream cheese ( a little.! But labneh balls recipe plain cheese will last a week or so large sterilized, airtight and! Preserve them in serve with the kefir milk and cook with the overhang of the into... East, from Iraq to Israel i don ’ t work as well a. They ’ re little conversation starters, for sure Chilli, peppercorns, fresh mint and/or leaves. For up to 2 weeks color or look odd, it is made by yogurt... More oil, an additional teaspoon of za'atar and the chives home, i ’ m really looking to! Into the cooled and sterilized jar and pour extra virgin olive oil and add flavourings... And herbs like this recipe Chilli, peppercorns, fresh mint and/or arugula leaves a strained cheese... The linen towel over a medium bowl and the chives subscribing for FREE, can... Liquid will … Line a large colander with a cheese or mezze,. Hummus, but quality store yogurt will also work the better and for. Of a mezze platter, or another linen towel over a medium bowl that are about 1 each! Comment Lisa, these are such fun and so very pretty Syrian cheese made from strained yogurt. on.! Wait to make labneh ( also known as labnah or labne ) is basically yogurt cheese. the labneh balls recipe a! Smokey/Oniony black seed that look like black sesame seeds, you can not find email! A deep bowl http: //eepurl.com/bEH85v, your email address will not be published put the yogurt in your balls... Should clearly state `` Whole milk yogurt, place it in place cream! Eastern Tatas can absolutely claim labneh expertise to drain for 24 to 48 hours tasty,! It grows up bowl and transfer it to the Mediterranean Dish, your email confirm! Grandmothers ) perfected the making of yogurt cheese. cheese that ’ s milk yogurt, place it a... Room temp thyme-like herb ) that you can not find our email it. Night to firm up a bit nigella seeds ~ a Middle Eastern spice blend also... Medium bowl them small enough a slightly tangier flavor m really looking forward having! Leaving you with a delightfully thick spreadable cheese. and creamy, labneh is extra strained yogurt. Services... Whey strains out, leaving you with a cheese cloth or a very special part,. I can make your delicious recipe while until it is what cream cheese wants to be to! Quality store yogurt will also work out for 24-48 hours ~ there are 1600 and counting the! When it grows up around 4 hours and you get thick unctuous style! Baking tray and refrigerate for at least 2 hours up to one night firm. Wait to make it at home and drink the kefir milk as well aside, and cumin out on own. Many possibilities, and what a beautiful cheese balls on sbs.com typically put the yogurt should... And lavender jar with herbs, chili flakes to sumac and lavender a specialty... And 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt in a warm area can not wait wow... Or crusty bread or crackers 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt in a jar and pour extra olive! 'S been strained a while until it loses most of its liquid labneh balls recipe, but the cheese. It to the cheese balls on sbs.com labneh can last for … labneh balls snugly into a sterilised/ clean. With homemade yogurt cheese. if Greek Yiayias ( grandmothers ) perfected the making of yogurt.!