Bloody Brilliant Labneh a Creamy Dream with a Zesty Zing
- Recipe Introduction
- What's the Deal with Labneh?
- Get Ready to Make Magic: Ingredients
- Time to Assemble Your Kit
- Ingredients & Equipment for Bloody Brilliant Labneh
- Bloody Brilliant Labneh: A Creamy Dream with a Zesty Zing
- Recipe Notes for Your "Bloody Brilliant Labneh"
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 📝 Recipe Card
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a healthy dinner option that's both easy and impressive? Have you ever tried homemade labneh ? This British labneh recipe gives the Middle Eastern dip a zesty twist.
Brief Overview
Labneh , or strained yogurt cheese , has roots in Middle Eastern cuisine. This version is dead simple and takes just 5 minutes to prep.
The straining is mostly inactive! It yields about 1.5 cups. That's perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself.
Main Benefits
This Pasti Fit recipe is packed with protein and gut-friendly probiotics. It’s perfect for a light lunch, a fancy appetizer, or even just a sophisticated snack.
What makes it special? It's the combination of creamy tanginess with a bright, lemony flavour.
What's the Deal with Labneh?
Honestly, I was intimidated by labneh at first. "Strained yogurt cheese?" sounded fancy. But trust me, it's easier than making toast! You just need yogurt, salt, a bit of time, and some cheesecloth.
This version has a British spin with lemon and herbs. I once served it at a summer barbeque. My mates went nuts for it. It vanished faster than the Pimm's!
Get Ready to Make Magic: Ingredients
Here's what you'll need to create this creamy dream. Don't skimp on the yogurt quality matters!
- 32 ounces Plain, full fat yogurt
- 1 teaspoon Sea salt
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Fresh herbs, chopped
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Time to Assemble Your Kit
You don't need fancy gear for this labneh recipe easy . A bowl, sieve, cheesecloth, and some patience are all you need. Don't forget a jar for storing your delicious creation.
I used a fine mesh sieve and several layers of cheesecloth. You can use a clean muslin cloth, too!
Let's get started with the first step.
Ingredients & Equipment for Bloody Brilliant Labneh
Ready to make some homemade labneh ? Don’t worry, it’s easier than making a cuppa. We will make the Pasti Fit healthy dinner
Main Ingredients: What You Need
Here's what you need for this British labneh recipe .
- 32 ounces (907g) plain, full fat yogurt (Greek or regular). Honestly, full fat is the way to go for maximum creaminess. If you want a thicker strained yogurt cheese , go for Greek.
- 1 teaspoon (6g) fine sea salt. Trust me, don't skimp on the salt!
- Zest of 1 lemon . Zest is key to this recipe!
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) extra virgin olive oil. Plus, more for drizzling...because why not?
- 2 tablespoons (approximately 10g) fresh herbs, finely chopped (parsley, mint, dill).
- A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, but highly recommended).
A good quality yogurt is key. Look for yogurt that is thick and has a clean, slightly tangy taste.
Seasoning Notes: Spice Up Your Life
A little labneh with lemon and herbs is really easy to play with to what you like.
- Essential spice combo: Lemon zest, herbs, and a touch of salt. Simple, yet effective.
- Flavor enhancers: Red pepper flakes add a lovely kick. A drizzle of good quality olive oil enhances the flavour.
- Quick subs: No lemon? A tiny splash of white wine vinegar works in a pinch. Dried herbs can be used but fresh is better.
A friend of mine once tried using lime zest instead of lemon. It was... interesting. Stick to lemon!.
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple
Here’s the kit you’ll need to create this Middle Eastern dip .
- Large bowl.
- Fine mesh sieve or colander.
- Cheesecloth (or a clean muslin cloth).
- Rubber band or string.
- Jar or airtight container.
Don't have cheesecloth? I’ve used a clean tea towel before. Just make sure it’s lint free! If not you can look for vegan labneh recipe .
Labneh serving suggestions : Serve with warm pitta bread. Job done!
Honestly, making labneh recipe easy at home is so satisfying. You'll never buy store-bought again!
Bloody Brilliant Labneh: A Creamy Dream with a Zesty Zing
Forget buying dips, honestly. This labneh recipe is super simple to make at home. And trust me, it’s way better than anything you'll find in the shops.
It's a Middle Eastern dip with a British twist, with lemon zest and fresh herbs. It’s tangy and creamy and perfect for dipping veggies.
You know, the Pasti Fit way!
Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Mission
First, grab your gear. You will need your yogurt, cheesecloth, and seasonings. It is all about mise en place . Basically, get everything ready before you start.
Trust me, it saves time and stress later. Safety wise, just make sure your hands are clean and you're good to go.
step-by-step to Glorious Homemade Labneh
- Line your sieve with cheesecloth. Make sure there are a few layers!
- Mix 32 ounces of yogurt with 1 teaspoon of salt in a bowl.
- Pour the mixture into the cheesecloth.
- Tie it up securely and put a weight on top. A can of beans works.
- Refrigerate for 24- 48 hours , depending on how thick you want it.
- Remove from the cloth and mix in lemon zest, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and 2 tablespoons of herbs.
- Drizzle with extra olive oil.
- Serve and enjoy your Healthy Dinner
Pro Tips for British Labneh Recipe Perfection
Don't skimp on the yogurt. Full fat is the way to go for the best flavor and texture. Check the strained yogurt cheese after 24 hours.
If it isn't thick enough, keep straining it. Want to make it ahead? No problem. Labneh will happily sit in the fridge for up to a week.
Just keep it in an airtight container. Make sure you get those labneh with lemon and herbs flavors right!
Labneh Serving Suggestions and Final Thoughts
Oh my gosh, there are so many ways to enjoy this! Serve it with pita bread, crudités, or even on toast.
It's also amazing as a topping for grilled meats or roasted veggies. Vegan labneh recipe is also possible using cashew yogurt, you know? Just adjust the straining time.
Honestly, making labneh is easier than making a cuppa, innit? Give it a go. You won't regret it.
Recipe Notes for Your "Bloody Brilliant Labneh"
Right, so you've got your Homemade labneh ready. Ace! But before you dive in face first (tempting, I know!), let's run through a few handy hints and tips.
Consider this your cheat sheet to labneh perfection.
Labneh Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro
Alright, presentation matters, doesn't it? First, swirl that Middle Eastern dip into a shallow bowl. Drizzle generously with extra virgin olive oil.
Scatter those chopped herbs like confetti at a wedding. Serve with warm pita bread or colourful veggies.
You can serve Labneh with lemon and herbs on toast or crackers. Fancy a side? Try a fresh cucumber and tomato salad.
A crisp Sauvignon Blanc? Oh my gosh, perfect! And for a truly British labneh recipe twist, try it alongside some roast lamb.
Trust me on this one.
Storage Tips: Keeping it Fresh
Okay, so you've made a big batch. Good on ya! In the fridge, your Strained yogurt cheese will keep for up to a week.
Ensure it's in an airtight container. This prevents it from drying out and keeps it Pasti Fit .
Freezing? Yeah, not really recommended. The texture changes and it gets a bit grainy. Reheating? You don’t, silly! It's served cold.
But If you must, a quick stir in a bowl is enough.
Variations: Get Creative!
Want a Vegan labneh recipe ? Use a good quality cashew yogurt instead. Remember to adjust the straining time.
For a seasonal twist, swap the lemon zest for orange zest in winter. Rosemary and thyme also work wonders. They add that extra layer of deliciousness and make it the perfect Healthy Dinner .
Nutrition Basics: Guilt Free Goodness
Each serving of this recipe contains about 120 calories. This delicious dip provides 7 grams of protein and 9 grams of fats. It also has 4 grams of carbs.
This Labneh recipe easy isn't just delicious, it's pretty good for you too.
Ready to get started and make your own Labneh? Go on! You've got this. And remember, even if it's not perfect, it'll still be blooming tasty.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is labneh, anyway? Is it like some fancy cream cheese?
Think of labneh as yogurt's sophisticated cousin! It's essentially yogurt that's been strained to remove the whey, resulting in a thicker, creamier texture. While it does resemble cream cheese, labneh has a distinctly tangy flavour that's quite refreshing, making it a star in Middle Eastern cuisine.
How long does homemade labneh last in the fridge? I don't want to end up with a science experiment!
Properly stored, your homemade labneh will keep in the fridge for up to a week. Make sure it's in an airtight container and drizzled with a little olive oil on top to help preserve it. If you see any mold or it smells off, best to chuck it better safe than sorry!
Can I use any kind of yogurt to make labneh? Does it have to be Greek?
While Greek yogurt is generally preferred because it's already a bit thicker and strains faster, you can definitely use regular, full fat yogurt to make labneh. Just bear in mind that it will take longer to strain and you might not get quite the same level of thickness.
Avoid using low-fat or non-fat yogurts, as they won't yield a very creamy result.
My labneh isn't getting as thick as I'd like. What am I doing wrong?
Patience, my friend! The thickness of labneh depends on the straining time. If it's not thick enough after 24 hours, simply let it strain for another 12-24 hours. Also, ensure you're using enough layers of cheesecloth and that you've placed a weight on top of the yogurt pouch to help press out the whey effectively.
And finally, remember quality, full fat yogurt really makes a difference.
I'm feeling adventurous! What are some different flavour combinations I can try with my labneh?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! For a Mediterranean twist, try adding sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and oregano. If you're feeling fiery, mix in some harissa paste or a pinch of cayenne pepper. A drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of walnuts adds a touch of sweetness.
Or, keep it simple with roasted garlic and fresh chives. Get creative and find your perfect flavour match!
Is labneh healthy? I'm trying to be a bit more mindful of what I eat.
Labneh can definitely be part of a healthy diet! It's a good source of protein and probiotics, which are beneficial for gut health. However, it's also relatively high in fat, so enjoy it in moderation.
As with anything, balance is key, and pairing it with plenty of fresh vegetables and whole grains is a cracking way to go.
Bloody Brilliant Labneh A Creamy Dream With A Ze
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 120 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 9g |
| Fiber | 0g |
