Labna Lebaneh Laben
Transform your everyday yogurt into creamy, tangy perfection with this easy homemade Labna Lebaneh Laban recipe. This Middle Eastern delicacy, made with just two simple ingredients—full-fat plain yogurt and salt—takes on luxurious richness after straining overnight, resulting in a velvety, spreadable yogurt cheese. Drizzle it with golden olive oil, sprinkle it with fresh herbs like mint or za'atar, and serve alongside warm pita bread or crunchy vegetables for an authentic dip or spread. With minimal prep time and an irresistibly versatile flavor, this recipe is a must-try for lovers of fresh, wholesome, and Mediterranean-inspired dishes. Plus, it’s refrigerator-friendly, making it perfect for meal preppers and entertainers alike!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 liter full-fat plain yogurt
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for serving)
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs, like mint or za'atar (optional, for garnish)
- as needed fresh vegetables or pita bread (optional, for serving)
Instructions
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk the yogurt until smooth.
Mix in the salt until it is evenly distributed throughout the yogurt.
Place a clean cheesecloth, muslin cloth, or a fine mesh strainer lined with coffee filters over a large bowl or pot to catch the liquid (whey).
Pour the salted yogurt into the lined strainer, folding the cheesecloth loosely over the top.
Place the setup in the refrigerator and allow the yogurt to strain for at least 12 hours or up to 24 hours. The longer you strain, the firmer the Labna becomes.
After straining, transfer the thickened yogurt (Labna) to a clean bowl. Discard the collected whey or reserve it for another use (like baking or smoothies).
Serve the Labna drizzled with olive oil and garnished with fresh herbs or spices such as za'atar. Pair with fresh vegetables, pita bread, or crackers for dipping.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
227 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 15.2 g | 19% | |
| Saturated Fat | 6.3 g | 32% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 33 mg | 11% | |
| Sodium | 364 mg | 16% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 14.6 g | 5% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.9 g | 3% | |
| Total Sugars | 13.2 g | ||
| Protein | 9.5 g | 19% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 318 mg | 24% | |
| Iron | 0.6 mg | 3% | |
| Potassium | 472 mg | 10% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
