Labneh Cheese Food

LABNEH CHEESE

Steps:

• For the labneh: stir the salt into the yogurt, then transfer the mixture to a cheesecloth-lined strainer set over a bowl. Gather the ends of the cheesecloth to shape the yogurt into a ball and give it a gentle squeeze. Tie the ends of the cheesecloth into a knot. Tie a few inches of twine to the cheesecloth and suspend it from a small rod or chopstick set over a tall container (make sure the cheesecloth pouch is a few inches above the bottom of the container).
• Place the entire container in the refrigerator to drain. For firm labneh cheese that can be shaped into balls, let sit overnight. (For creamy, softer labneh let it sit only 6 to 8 hours.)
• For the seed and herb coating: after the labneh has drained overnight, mix the sesame seeds, sumac, dried thyme, dried mint, nigella seeds and red pepper flakes together in a shallow dish.
• Oil your hands and shape the cheese into 2 tablespoon-sized balls. Roll each ball in the spice mixture to coat completely and place in a 32-ounce airtight container. Cover the cheese with 2 cups olive oil and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
• Serve with bread, green olives, pickled cucumber, mint leaves, zaatar and red tea.

LABNEH (LEBANESE CREAM CHEESE)

Steps:

• Line a large colander with a cheesecloth. Stir salt into the yogurt, and pour the yogurt into the cheesecloth. Set the colander in the sink or bowl to catch the liquid that drains off. Leave to drain for 24 hours.
• After draining for the 24 hours, transfer the resulting cheese to a bowl. Stir in the olive oil. Store in a covered container in the refrigerator.

LABNEH GRILLED CHEESE

Steps:

• Heat a thin layer of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toast the bread slices on one side until lightly browned, 1 to 2 minutes, then flip them over. Top 2 slices with the Cheddar and Parmesan. Spread the other 2 slices with the labneh and sprinkle with a pinch of za'atar and sumac. Carefully sandwich each Cheddar/Parmesan slice with a labneh slice, cover with a lid and cook until the bottom is toasted, about 1 1/2 minutes. Flip, cover and cook until the other side is toasted and the Parmesan and Cheddar are melted, another 1 1/2 minutes. Transfer to a plate, cut diagonally and serve with tomato soup if desired.

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.