Homemade Labneh Cheese

I love labne, or labneh, depending on how you choose to spell it. There’s just something so cool about taking a tub of yoghurt, straining it and ending up with a smooth, creamy, tangy spread that can be spooned onto or into so many things.

You can flavour the finished labne in any way that you choose; I like to add extra lemon to mine but you can add chopped herbs, chilli flakes, cracked pepper…the possibilities are endless.

If you leave the labne straining for an additional 24 hours, you can roll it into balls, coat them in herbs or spices and store them in jars covered with olive oil.

This looks incredible but I’ve yet to discover the patience to wait the extra day. If you do this, I’d love to hear how it is. I love to make a batch of low carb cheesy crackers to dip into my labne as a treat or dollop it over my lunchtime avocado. Enjoy!

Preparation time

Hands-on:    30 minutes
Overall:     24 hour and 30 minutes

Nutritional values (per serving, ~ ⅓ cup/ 85 g/ 3 oz)

Total Carbs	3.2	grams
Fiber	0	grams
Net Carbs	3.2	grams
Protein	7.5	grams
Fat	5.3	grams
of which Saturated	2.7	grams
Energy	90	kcal
Magnesium	0	mg (0% RDA)
Potassium	213	mg (11% EMR)

Macronutrient ratio: Calories from carbs (14%), protein (33%), fat (53%)

Ingredients (makes 12 servings)

• 4 cups full fat Greek yoghurt (1 kg/ 2.2 lb)
• 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
• ¼ tsp Himalayan rock salt
• 15 ml extra virgin olive oil

Instructions

1. Combine the yoghurt, lemon juice and salt in a bowl.
2. Place a strainer, lined with a clean cloth or muslin, over a large bowl.
3. Pour yoghurt into the strainer, ... ... gently fold the cloth over the top.
4. Place in refrigerator for 24 hours to strain ... ...or 48 if you’re going to make the labne balls using your hands. You can use the leftover whey to keep your mayo fresh for weeks.
5. Once strained, add any additional seasonings, spoon into containers, swirl the top with the back of a spoon and drizzle with the olive oil.
6. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Labne balls in oil can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 months.

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