Yogurt Cheese Labanee in Arabic
Transform your everyday yogurt into a creamy, tangy delight with this traditional Middle Eastern recipe for Yogurt Cheese Labanee in Arabic. Made with just two simple ingredients—plain whole-milk yogurt and a touch of salt—this recipe naturally transforms into a luscious spread through a slow, hands-off draining process. Perfectly customizable, you can adjust the texture to be soft and spreadable or firm and thick depending on your preference. Labanee is wonderfully versatile: serve it drizzled with olive oil, sprinkled with za’atar, or topped with fresh herbs and crushed nuts for a vibrant, authentic touch. Whether enjoyed as a dip, a sandwich spread, or part of a mezze platter, this homemade delicacy brings a rich, tangy flavor to your table in the simplest way possible. Ready in just 10 minutes of prep and a little patience, it's a wholesome addition to any Mediterranean-inspired meal.
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Ingredients
- 1000 grams Plain whole-milk yogurt
- 1 teaspoon Salt
Directions
Step 1
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the plain whole-milk yogurt and salt. Stir well to ensure the salt is evenly distributed.
Step 2
Line a fine-mesh sieve or colander with a clean cheesecloth or a thin kitchen towel. Place the sieve over a large bowl to catch the liquid (whey) that drains out.
Step 3
Transfer the salted yogurt into the cheesecloth, spreading it evenly.
Step 4
Gather the edges of the cheesecloth and tie them together to form a bundle. Secure it tightly with kitchen twine or a rubber band.
Step 5
Leave the bundle in the sieve, ensuring it does not touch the whey that collects in the bowl. Alternatively, hang the bundle over the sink or a deep container for better drainage.
Step 6
Refrigerate the setup and allow the yogurt to drain for 24 to 48 hours, depending on your desired consistency. For a soft, spreadable labanee, 24 hours should suffice; for a firmer texture, drain closer to 48 hours.
Step 7
After draining, untie the cheesecloth and transfer the thickened labanee into an airtight container.
Step 8
Serve cold, drizzled with olive oil, and optionally garnished with za'atar, fresh herbs, or crushed nuts.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1006g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 608.2 |
| Total Fat 32.2g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 20.8g | 0% |
| Cholesterol 126.5mg | 0% |
| Sodium 2821.2mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 46.5g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 0g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 46.5g | |
| Protein 34.7g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 469.4IU | 0% |
| Calcium 1208.2mg | 0% |
| Iron 0.4mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1546.9mg | 0% |
Source of Calories