Best Labneh Wa Zaatar Spiced Yogurt Cheese Recipes

YOGURT CHEESE (LABNEH)

Steps:

• In a large bowl stir the salt into the yoghurt.
• Spoon the yoghurt in the center of a piece of doubled cheesecloth or soft cotton fabric (preferably undyed and immaculately clean).
• Pull corners up and tie tightly.
• Suspend from a stationary object over a bowl (to catch liquid).
• Let this hang overnight or about 12 hours.
• When well drained it will be the consistency of cottage cheese.
• Remove from the cloth.
• Store covered in the refrigerator until needed.
• You can mix in fresh or dried herbs, minced garlic, pepper flakes, anything you would use to make an herbed cheese.
• Or you could drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with fresh lemon juice and some cumin and dip pita crisps into it-- The sky's the limit really- so many uses!
• To make Yoghurt Cheese Balls (Labneh Makbus) (a great little appetizer!), drain the yoghurt for 10-12 hours longer.
• Take about one tablespoon at a time and roll it into smooth, round balls and place on a tray.
• Chill until firm.
• This will take several hours.
• After they are firm and slightly dried out, place in a sterile, air tight jar, cover with olive oil.
• Seal the jar and store at room temperature.
• The labneh will keep this way for several months but you will have eaten them all up long before that!
• Enjoy Labneh Makbus cut into halves, drizzled with olive oil and eaten with olives and fresh pita bread.

HOMEMADE LABNEH WITH OLIVE OIL AND ZA'ATAR

Steps:

• In a large bowl, mix together the yogurt, salt, and lemon juice. Line a colander with three layers of cheesecloth and place the colander over a large bowl. Pour the yogurt into the cheesecloth, cover the whole thing with plastic wrap, and set the bowl in the refrigerator for 8 hours or overnight, emptying the liquid in the bowl as needed. If you're not using it in a recipe, you can serve it on its own. Top with a big splash of olive oil and additional seasoning and serve with pita. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.