Easy Labneh Dip Recipe - Fufu's Kitchen (2024)

FAQs

What is labneh dip made of? ›

Labneh is a soft Middle Eastern cheese made from strained yogurt. It's surprisingly easy to make, and it's really versatile. Serve it as a dip with good-quality olive oil and za'atar, or add it to salads, pizzas, sandwiches, and more!

Of course, a fresh pita to dip is perfect as well. This is the go-to vehicle for dipping in the Middle East-there is always a pita in hand. A crust bread would also go great. This labneh dip is also fabulous with an assortment of cut veggies like cucumber slices or mini preppers.

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. No need to use Greek yogurt here; plain, unsweetened whole-milk yogurt will do the trick.

You can use yogurt, cream cheese, sour cream, or mascarpone in place of labneh for many uses, but the flavor and texture won't be quite the same. Once you familiarize yourself with the flavor and versatility of labneh, you're more likely going to want to swap it for the others whenever you get the chance.

Because they are so similar, it's sometimes possible to swap Greek yogurt for labneh and vice versa in applications. Greek yogurt and labneh have tangy flavor profiles, so if you're looking to add a dollop to something like this creamy carrot soup with lemon and dill or this easy lobster bisque, both will work nicely.

Strained yogurt is known as labneh (labna, labni, labne, lebni, or labani; Arabic: لبنة) in the Levant, Israel, Egypt, and the Arabian Peninsula.

Aside from a classic plate of labaneh with some bread, or even just eating it with a spoon (one of the reasons it doesn't last very long in my fridge—it's that satisfying!), you can also use it in place of other types of cheese, spreading it on a sandwich or rolling it into balls and tossing them into salads.

Storage. Store homemade labneh in the fridge in a tightly-closed container for up to 2 weeks. To better preserve your labneh, you can form it into balls that are about 1 tablespoon each in size. Place the balls in a large sterilized, airtight jar and pour extra virgin olive oil to cover.

Like kefir, labneh cheese is a fermented product high in probiotics, which is healthy bacteria. It helps in strengthening the microbiome and improving gut health. Optimum levels of probiotics can help develop an enhanced immune system, control cholesterol, improve digestion and even aid in cancer prevention.

@traderjoesfl | 🚨 Labneh a new item at Trader Joe's! .

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of labneh? ›

Well, that all depends on what you're making. If you're looking for a protein-packed dressing with herbal notes, then labneh is the way to go. But if you want a smooth, spoonable breakfast, then Greek yogurt is the choice for you.

The liquid that drains off the yogurt in the labneh process is whey. And it is a wonderful, nutritious by-product and ingredient. Don't throw it out.

You'll also need a piece of cheesecloth or muslin to strain the yogurt through. You can use a tea towel at a pinch but because it's thicker, it will take longer for the liquid to drain so just keep that in mind.

Is labneh similar to sour cream? Labneh is thicker and less tangy than sour cream. Because of the acidity in labneh, it can possibly be used in place of sour cream in baking recipes.

Labneh, also called Labne or yogurt cheese, is a classic Levantine breakfast. Despite its similarity to cream cheese in texture, labneh is not cheese. You get this thick, creamy dip by straining yogurt overnight to allow the whey to drain out. Labneh is tart and refreshing like yogurt!

Labneh is a bit thicker than Greek yogurt - almost like soft cream cheese. In tradition, Greek yogurt is made from goats milk while labneh is made from cow's milk. It's tangier and creamier than yogurt, and it's meant to be eaten with savory ingredients.

Is labneh similar to sour cream? Labneh is thicker and less tangy than sour cream. Because of the acidity in labneh, it can possibly be used in place of sour cream in baking recipes.

Labneh, also called Labne or yogurt cheese, is a classic Levantine breakfast. Despite its similarity to cream cheese in texture, labneh is not cheese. You get this thick, creamy dip by straining yogurt overnight to allow the whey to drain out. Labneh is tart and refreshing like yogurt!

In addition to its delicious taste, labneh is considered a healthy food. It is a good source of protein, calcium, and probiotics, which benefit gut health. Labneh is also lower in fat and sodium compared to cheese or packaged dips, and it adds a lot of calcium to the diet.