Cucumbers With Labneh And Cherries Food

CUCUMBERS WITH LABNEH AND CHERRIES

Steps:

• Make the cherries: Place the cherries in a bowl and add vinegar, sugar and salt. Toss to coat. Cover and let sit in refrigerator. (This can be done the day before.)
• Make the za'atar: Mix together ground raw sesame seeds, whole toasted sesame seeds, roughly ground rose petals, sumac, parsley or fennel seeds, and salt. (Za'atar will keep for up to one week in a tightly sealed container.)
• Make the rose water labneh: Combine labneh, salt, lemon zest, grated garlic, rose water, honey and pepper. Cover and let sit in the refrigerator. (This can be made earlier in the day.)
• Make the cucumbers: Mix together cucumbers with lemon juice, a splash of olive oil and a pinch of salt. Toss to coat and set aside.
• To assemble the salad, cover labneh with cucumbers and cherries, and sprinkle about 1 teaspoon of za'atar on top. Serve family-style and immediately.

CREAMY COLD CUCUMBER SOUP WITH LABNEH

Steps:

• Combine cucumber, almond milk, almonds, 1/2 cup mint leaves, garlic, salt, and pepper in a blender. Blend until smooth.
• Divide soup among 3 bowls. Add 1 tablespoon labneh to the middle. Garnish each bowl with 1 tablespoon olive oil and a few mint leaves.

ROASTED NECTARINES WITH LABNEH, HERBS, AND HONEY

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 425°. Line a large baking tray with baking paper.
• Place the nectarine halves cut side up on the prepared tray, then drizzle each with a little olive oil and season generously with pepper. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the edges of the fruit are browned and the flesh is cooked through and tender. Remove from the oven and leave to cool.
• Select a large platter and spread the labneh or strained Greek yogurt all over the surface, then arrange the roasted nectarines on top. Drizzle with a little olive oil, season with a little salt and sprinkle over the toasted flaked almonds, followed by the oregano and pul biber. Drizzle all over with the honey and, finally, scatter over the mint ribbons. Take to the table to serve.

ROASTED CUCUMBER SANDWICHES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400°. If using English cucumbers, split lengthwise and remove seeds (leave other varieties whole). Arrange cucumbers on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. (If using English cucumbers, arrange cut side down.) Brush with melted butter. Roast cucumbers until crisp-tender, about 15 minutes. Transfer cucumbers to a paper towel-lined plate; chill until cold.
• Cut Japanese or Persian cucumbers lengthwise in half. Cut hothouse cucumber halves lengthwise in half. Slice crosswise into 1/4 inch-thick pieces. Whisk labneh and next 5 ingredients in a large bowl. Stir in sliced cucumbers and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Season filling to taste with salt, pepper, and more lemon juice, if desired.
• Brush cut sides of focaccia or rolls with olive oil; place on a baking sheet and toast in a 400° oven until just crispy and lightly browned, 3-5 minutes. Divide filling among focaccia bottoms, cover with tops, and cut each into 4 sandwiches (or divide filling among rolls).

CUCUMBER SALAD (TURKISH CACICK)

Steps:

• In a bowl combine garlic, vinegar, salt, dill,and yoghurt and mix well.
• Blend cucumbers with yoghurt mixture and refrigerate for an hour or so.
• Serve sprinkled with olive oil and mint.