Labneh is a delicious traditional dip that has been part of Middle Eastern cuisine for centuries and this blog is all about the most creative way to eat your homemade labneh.Ā If you grew up in a Middle Eastern family, youāre most likely used to having labneh for breakfast or as a snack.Ā For those of you who havenāt tried it yet, labneh is basically strained yogurt that has a creamy, cheese-like texture. People often compare it with regular cheese cream, although labneh has quite a tangy, saltier flavour compared to the other one.Ā
The best part about labneh is that it is extremely easy to make and is very versatile, allowing you to experiment with different combinations. Also, itās a great source of protein and probiotic food that is beneficial for the health of your digestive system.Ā
All you need to prepare your own labneh is natural yogurt. I prefer to use Greek yogurt for my homemade labneh recipe as I find itās creamier and sweeter in taste but you can use your favourite brand of yogurt.Ā
Traditionally, labneh is served as a dip with pita bread or as a spread in sandwiches. My mother-in-law makes the best Labneh sandwiches. She puts a dollop of labneh on the bread and spreads it evenly. Then she adds tomato, cucumber, radish, parsley, mint, and olives on top, drizzles it with olive oil and sprinkles a bit of salt. Itās a heavenly combination and everyone that tries it has several slices of this (including me).Ā
I also love this one sandwich thatās made with pita slathered with labneh, topped with cucumber, tomatoes, olives, spring onion, and fresh mint, and drizzled with olive oil. You have to try it at least once if youāre planning to make labneh.
If youāre craving something sweet, you can do a savoury mix of jams on labneh using charred bread. You can try it with simple honey as well. From a party dip to a traditional sandwich, a spread on toast or alongside scrambled eggs, the variation to Labneh ā strained yogurt are endless.
Here are other great labneh combinations you must try:
Labneh Dips
1. Beetroot Labneh
Beetroot labneh is one of my most recent creations. It only requires 3 ingredients and it tastes even better than it looks. Top it with crushed pistachios and you have the dip that will be the star of any dinner party.
2. Olives Labneh
Olives are a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine, so I had to add them to my labneh dip combinations. You can make the great flavour of chopped olives stand out by garnishing the dip with a bit of parsley.
3. Pesto Labneh
Create a flavourful labneh dip by adding pesto sauce to it. Garnish with pine nuts and drizzle everything with olive oil.
4. Za’atar Herb Labneh
Zaāatar, the Arab spice mix containing dried thyme, sesame seeds, dried sumac, and salt, is often used in our home. I think it adds a lemony, herbal flavour that works great with labneh.Ā
5. Pomegranate Labneh
Add some crunchiness to your labneh by topping the dip with pomegranate seeds.Ā
P.S.: All these labneh dips can be used for cheeseboards, picnics, parties, and regular meals.
Labneh Bruschettas
6. Chargrilled Capsicum Labneh Bruschetta with Asparagus
The sweet taste of capsicum pairs beautifully with the crunchy asparagus. Sprinkle some sesame seeds and youāre ready to go.
7. Labneh Bruschetta with Green Olives
Thereās nothing that goes better with labneh than olives. You can spice things up by adding some chilli flakes on top.
8. Labneh Bruschetta with Avocado and Honey
Avocado lovers, this oneās for you. This is the perfect healthy snack you can whip up whenever youāre craving something sweet.
9. Labneh Bruschetta with Fresh Tomatoes
Have some fresh tomatoes in your fridge? Slice them up and add them to your labneh bruschetta. Garnish with mint leaves for a refreshing taste.
10. Labneh Bruschetta with Avocado and Tomatoes
Looking to try something new for breakfast? Just add the avocado and cherry tomatoes slices on top of your labneh bruschetta, drizzle a bit of olive oil, and sprinkle some dukkah (spice mix containing sesame seeds, hazelnuts, coriander seeds cumin, salt, and pepper).Ā
11. Labneh Bruschetta with Cucumber and Tomatoes
Such a classic combination! Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle some chia seeds – your lazy Sunday snack is ready.
Labneh Toast
12. Salty Labneh Toast
There are so many combinations you can try for your labneh toast snack. These are my top favourite:
- Black olives and herbsĀ
- Asparagus topped with pine nuts
- Fresh radishes
- Pesto
13. Sweet Labneh Toast
Labneh goes so well with fruits such as figs or berries. Add some honey on top for extra sweetness.Ā
14. Labneh Dinner Rolls
Packed with fresh healthy veggies, these labneh dinner rolls are perfect for entertaining.Ā
If you have already made your labneh or you have some leftover labneh in the fridge, these will only take you a few minutes to assemble.Ā
15. Labneh Cheese Bites
A favourite at barbecues, these are the actual labneh dip but dehydrated for a few days until thereās no moisture. After I portion the labneh into bite-sized ācheeseā balls, I usually coat them using sweet paprika and Italian herb blend.Ā
Other ingredients you can use when coating these:
- Chopped walnuts
- Chopped pistachios
- Sumac
- Dried mint
- Poppy seeds
- Sesame seeds
- Zaāatar
- Chilli flakes
Also, these labneh bites can be preserved in olive oil for longer periods of time.Ā
How do you like to eat your labneh? Do you prefer sweet or salty combinations?Ā
With LoveĀ Ā
6 Responses
Love in the morning with cantaloupe and a few drops of pomegranate molasses. In the evening with drinks and o live oil w Zaatar.
sounds delicious with pomegranate molasses. I’ve served mine pomegranate seeds but must drizzle molasses on it like you. thank you for sharing
Wow you must have lovely taste
I like it somewhat salty with pickled cucumbers and fresh tomatoes garnished with olive oil
sprinkled some moroccan spice Ras el Hanout onto the labneh with avocado & honey on naan, loved it!
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