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Ingredients
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Labneh (strained yogurt)
Finishing & serving
Equipment (not consumed)
Method
Labneh (strained yogurt)
- 1
Prepare the yogurt
Line a fine-mesh sieve or colander with a double layer of cheesecloth or a clean, thin kitchen towel. Place the lined sieve over a large bowl so there is space between the bottom of the cloth and the bowl to collect whey.
- 2
- 3
Transfer and tie
Spoon the seasoned yogurt into the center of the cheesecloth. Gather the cloth edges together and twist to form a tight pouch. Secure with kitchen twine or a clip so the pouch won’t open while draining.
- 4
Drain the yogurt
Place the pouch in the sieve over the bowl and refrigerate. For creamy, spreadable labneh, drain 8–12 hours. For thicker, scoopable labneh (yogurt cheese), drain 24–36 hours. If you want very dense labneh similar to cream cheese, drain up to 48 hours, replacing collected whey as needed. Check texture after 8–12 hours and every 6–12 hours thereafter.
- 5
Finish texture and seasoning
When the labneh has reached the desired thickness, transfer it to a bowl and stir gently to a smooth, creamy consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with a pinch more salt or a few drops of lemon juice if desired.
Finishing & serving
- 6
Plate the labneh
Spoon the labneh onto a serving plate and use the back of the spoon to create a shallow well in the center to hold oil and toppings.
- 7
Garnish
Drizzle extra-virgin olive oil generously over the labneh (about 2–3 tablespoons). Sprinkle the za'atar or fresh thyme, toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts, chopped mint or parsley, and a pinch of freshly ground black pepper. Finish with a light dusting of paprika or Aleppo pepper if using.
- 8
Serve
Serve chilled or at cool room temperature with warm pita, flatbread, crisp vegetables, or as part of a mezze spread. Leftover labneh will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
Notes (whey use)
- 9
Reserve the drained whey for baking (bread, pizza dough), smoothies, or soups—it's flavorful and nutritious. If you do not plan to use it, discard or compost it.