Buzz
Photo: Jennifer Causey“What exactly is labneh?” This was a common question I encountered when I recently offered the creamy spread at a gathering. I explained that it’s a dairy item akin to yogurt, deeply rooted in the culinary traditions of the Mediterranean and Middle East. Guests nodded in understanding, savoring each bite, drawn in by its irresistible taste—rich, smooth, and pleasantly tangy.
Beyond becoming a favorite at my social events, labneh is increasingly appearing in cookbooks and on restaurant menus, frequently served as a savory dip alongside vegetables or crackers. Considering the growing fondness for Mediterranean cuisine in the U.S., labneh’s rise in popularity is hardly unexpected. To delve deeper into its origins, traditional uses, and ways to integrate it into everyday cooking, I consulted with experts who have cherished labneh since their early years.
What Is Labneh?
Labneh is a dense, velvety strained yogurt that has been a dietary staple in the Mediterranean for centuries, explains Karim Khalil, who relocated to the U.S. from Lebanon in 2020 and founded the labneh brand Yaza shortly after. “It’s essentially salted strained Greek yogurt, yielding a richer, creamier consistency and a tangier, savory flavor.” In terms of texture, it sits comfortably between Greek yogurt and cream cheese.
Similar to plain yogurt, labneh is free from added preservatives or sugars. It’s also packed with protein and probiotics, making it beneficial for digestive health. “It’s an excellent way to enhance the nutritional value of your favorite meals and recipes,” Khalil notes.
How Is Labneh Traditionally Enjoyed?
Labneh is a cornerstone of Lebanese cuisine, according to Samaya Boueri Ziade, chef and proprietor of Sawa, a Lebanese eatery in Brooklyn, New York. “Its versatility allows it to be savored in numerous ways, such as paired with za’atar and olive oil, accompanied by olives, or alongside fresh mint, cucumber, and tomatoes—essentially with anything.” She mentions that it’s frequently rolled into pita or other flatbreads and recalls that during her childhood, it often served as the main component of a simple light dinner. “Labneh sandwiches were a common sight in everyone’s lunchbox,” Khalil adds.
How to Make Labneh at Home
If labneh isn’t available at your nearby grocery store, cheese shop, or Middle Eastern market, Boueri Ziade assures that it’s simple to prepare at home. Begin by placing plain yogurt into cheesecloth, folded several times and set in a sieve over a bowl. “Mix in a pinch of salt, and allow it to chill in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight, depending on the yogurt type and your desired thickness.” The bowl will collect the nutrient-rich whey that separates from the yogurt. This whey can be utilized in smoothies or as a substitute for other liquids in baking.
How to Use Labneh
At the gathering where labneh sparked curiosity, I presented it as a dip, smoothed into a bowl, adorned with olive oil, and dusted with za’atar, a traditional accompaniment for crackers or vegetable sticks. However, its uses extend far beyond that. “Labneh can be incorporated into salad dressings, marinades, pasta dishes, or as a topping for rice bowls,” Khalil recommends. I’m particularly fond of the idea of blending it into salad dressings; simply mix in a tablespoon or two into your vinaigrette. Alternatively, for a creamy dressing, dilute it with milk or buttermilk and mix in freshly chopped herbs and salt to taste.
Boueri Ziade prefers labneh in the morning. “For breakfast, I enjoy it with olive oil and seed crackers. It also pairs wonderfully with eggs and za’atar.” For a sweeter start to the day, she combines it with honey and fruit, similar to how one might serve yogurt. It also serves as an excellent creamy base for roasted vegetables or meats. “At Sawa, we blend labneh with toum, a garlic spread, and serve it alongside lamb chops and kafta,” Boueri Ziade shares.
If labneh is unfamiliar to you, I highly recommend giving it a chance, no matter how you choose to serve it. Its versatility ensures you’ll never run out of ways to enjoy it, and it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser at your next gathering.
