Labneh is a famous cheese in Middle Eastern cuisine. People can also spell it as lebneh,lebnah,labaneh, labane, labne, or labni.
Labneh cheese has a similar texture as cream cheese, but it is made from strained yogurt, which makes its fat content less than cream cheese. It is a healthier substitute for cream cheese.
If you are a vegan, labneh cheese can even be made from nondairy yogurts such as coconut and soy. So let’s learn more about it now!
What is Labneh?
Yogurt, the main component of labneh, is a typical Middle Eastern food ingredient. It can be used as a breakfast side dish, a fruit-and-nut snack, or an alternative to sour cream or milk when tossed into cooked dishes. When the whey is removed from yogurt, a thick, creamy, slightly soft cheese-like substance called labneh is left behind. This ingredient can be used as a dip, spread, or addition to other foods. Both sweet and savory flavors go well with labneh, and it also makes a refreshing side dish for dishes that are spicy. However, it’s actually quite simple and less expensive to make at home with just a few ingredients and a few basic kitchen tools. You can buy it in specialty gourmet and Middle Eastern food markets, as well as increasingly in some grocery stores.
How Labneh is Made
Good quality full-fat plain yogurt, preferably Greek, is mixed with salt to make labneh, which is then strained through cheesecloth until the desired consistency is achieved. The labneh becomes soft and suitable for dipping after about a half-day to a day of straining in the refrigerator. To strain, simply tie the cheesecloth into a ball and place it in a sieve over a deep bowl. Simply add some za’atar and good olive oil before grabbing some pita bread.
The thickness of the labneh increases with time, eventually taking on the consistency of a block of cream cheese.
Uses
For example, you can spread labneh on bagels, use it as an ingredient in baking, or use it as a dip for your preferred fruit and vegetables. Labneh can be used in any situation where cream cheese would normally be used. Despite having a texture that is similar to cream cheese, labneh also has the tang of yogurt, which balances out the richness and gives it a refreshing flavor.
Make 1-ounce balls of labneh and place them in a jar with olive oil, za’atar, and herbs like oregano to marinate. Similar to how you would add balls of fresh mozzarella or burrata, you can spread them on toasted bread, toss them in a salad, or mix them into a serving of hot pasta. Since labneh does not curdle at high temperatures, cooking can make excellent use of it.
You can substitute labneh for sour cream, make a lighter version of cheesecake, or use it as the foundation for a dip. Or, for a healthy and energizing breakfast, stir in some honey and pomegranate arils.
Storage
For up to a week, labneh can be kept in the fridge in an airtight container. It can last for a few months if it is kept submerged, so cover the surface entirely in olive oil to extend its shelf life. It’s simpler to remove individual servings without exposing the entire batch of labneh to air if you roll it first into bite-sized balls. In order to minimize textural changes, you can freeze it for up to six months in an airtight container with no space for air. You can also defrost it more quickly by placing the container in a bowl of cool water while it defrosts. Labneh can separate in the microwave, so avoid attempting to defrost it there.
Substitutes
However, the flavor and texture won’t be quite the same if you substitute labneh with yogurt, cream cheese, sour cream, or mascarpone. You’ll probably want to substitute labneh for the other types of yogurt whenever you have the chance once you get used to its flavor and versatility.
Final Thoughts
Popular Middle Eastern soft cheese called labneh is created from strained yogurt. This flexible cheese is suitable for both quick snacks and meals.
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FAQs
What Is Labneh Cheese Similar to?
Labneh is a soft cheese, similar in texture to cream cheese, made from strained yogurt and very popular in Middle Eastern cuisine.
What Is Labneh Made from?
If you’re not familiar with labneh, it’s a soft cheese made by straining yogurt to remove the whey. It has a thick, spreadable texture similar to soft goat cheese or cream cheese, and thanks to its yogurt base, its flavor is rich and tangy.
Can I Buy labneh at Grocery Store?
Many grocery stores now carry labneh in the dairy section, but it’s simple to make at home. You only need whole-milk yogurt (cow’s milk is more traditional, but goat’s milk is another option) and a little salt.
