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Middle Eastern/Lebanese · Dips

Labneh

VegEasy

Diet: Veg

Labneh is a Middle Eastern/Lebanese dish. Drain in the fridge to keep yogurt cold throughout.

Prep
10 min
Cook
0 min
Rest, soak, marinate or chill
1440 min
Total
1450 min
Servings
6
Difficulty
Easy
Cuisine
Middle Eastern/Lebanese
Course
Dips

Estimated times for the original batch. Preparation, cooking and listed waiting time are included. Batch cooking can take longer.

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Representative photograph of Labneh. The photograph shows drained labneh before the olive oil and zaatar topping.
The photograph shows drained labneh before the olive oil and zaatar topping. Representative photograph of Labneh. Garnishes and presentation may differ. Photo credit and licence
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Ingredients

Metric weights use grams. US weights use ounces; liquids use fluid ounces. Conversions are rounded. Spoon measures use 5 ml teaspoons and 15 ml tablespoons; cups use 240 ml.

Serves 6

Yogurt

Finish

Equipment

Kitchen scales; measuring jug and spoons; knife; cutting board; mixing bowls.

Check all product labels and cross-contact. Diet groups describe this listed recipe, not every substitution.

Steps

Strain · About 3 min

  1. Mix 1000 g plain whole-milk yogurt, ¾ tsp salt. Line a sieve with clean cheesecloth over a bowl and add yogurt.

Chill · About 1440 min

  1. Cover and refrigerate 24 hours, keeping the sieve above drained whey.

Serve · About 3 min

  1. Transfer thick labneh to a bowl and add 30 ml olive oil, 15 g zaatar. Keep refrigerated; do not strain at room temperature.

Tips

  • Drain in the fridge to keep yogurt cold throughout.
  • Judge Labneh by the texture and doneness signs in its steps. Your pan and heat affect how long Labneh takes to cook.

Substitutions

  • Use Greek yogurt for a shorter draining time and a thicker result.

Storage

  • Keep strained labneh covered at 4°C / 40°F or below. Use within two days.
  • Use a clean spoon; refrigerate promptly after serving. This recipe is not a shelf-stable cheese preserve.

Make ahead

  • A few hours before making Labneh, wash and dry the fresh ingredients, then refrigerate them. Assemble Labneh close to serving and keep perishable ingredients cold.

FAQ

What matters most when making Labneh?

Drain in the fridge to keep yogurt cold throughout.

What can I substitute in Labneh?

Use Greek yogurt for a shorter draining time and a thicker result.

Can I prepare Labneh ahead?

A few hours before making Labneh, wash and dry the fresh ingredients, then refrigerate them. Assemble Labneh close to serving and keep perishable ingredients cold.

Food safety references

FoodSafety.gov: cooking temperatures · Food Standards Agency: rice storage and reheating

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