Garlic Labneh

Labneh is a delicious and creamy yogurt-based dip that everyone should try, especially in its garlic-infused version. Garlic labneh is perfect for gatherings, casual snacking, or as a side dish to elevate your meals. Its rich flavor and smooth texture make it a standout choice for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a party or simply enjoying a quiet night in.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This garlic labneh recipe requires minimal ingredients and just a few simple steps, making it accessible for all skill levels.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of garlic, lemon, and olive oil creates a burst of flavor that will delight your taste buds.
• Versatile Usage: Garlic labneh can be served as a dip with pita bread, spread on sandwiches, or drizzled over grilled meats and vegetables.
• Healthy Option: Made with Greek yogurt, this dish is high in protein and can be part of a balanced diet.
• Customizable Toppings: Add pine nuts, herbs, or even spices like sumac to personalize your garlic labneh to suit your tastes.

Tools and Preparation

To make garlic labneh efficiently, having the right tools will streamline the process. Here’s what you need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Fine mesh sieve
• Cheesecloth or thick kitchen roll
• Mixing bowl
• Spoon
• Grater

Importance of Each Tool

• Fine mesh sieve: This tool ensures that excess liquid is drained properly from the yogurt, resulting in the perfect thick consistency.
• Cheesecloth or thick kitchen roll: Used to line the sieve, it helps in straining the yogurt without any mess.
• Mixing bowl: A good-sized bowl allows for easy mixing of flavors once your labneh has thickened.

Ingredients

For the Labneh Base

• 500 g thick Greek yoghurt
• 1 tsp flaky salt

For Flavoring

• 1 garlic clove
• 1/2 lemon (juiced)
• 2 tbsp olive oil

For Garnishing

• Toasted pine nuts
• Chopped parsley
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Sumac (optional)

How to Make Garlic Labneh

Step 1: Strain the Yogurt

1. For quick labneh, lay cheesecloth or some thick kitchen roll in a fine mesh sieve.
2. Set the sieve over a bowl.
3. Pour the yoghurt and a good pinch of salt into the cheesecloth in the sieve.
4. Use a spoon to move the yoghurt around and gently press into the sieve to remove the water.
5. Keep doing this for around 10-15 minutes until it’s thickened and has released a lot of liquid.

Step 2: Add Flavorings

1. Once thickened, add the strained yogurt to a bowl.
2. Finely grate the garlic into the labneh.
3. Add a squeeze of lemon juice and drizzle with olive oil.
4. Taste and season according to your preference.

Step 3: Serve Your Garlic Labneh

1. Spread the flavorful labneh onto a plate.
2. Top it off with toasted pine nuts and chopped parsley.
3. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle some sumac on top if desired!

Now you have a delightful garlic labneh ready to impress family and friends! Enjoy this versatile dip at any gathering or as part of your everyday meals.

How to Serve Garlic Labneh

Garlic labneh is a versatile and delicious addition to any meal. It pairs well with various dishes, making it a fantastic choice for gatherings or casual snacking. Here are some great ways to serve this creamy delight.

With Fresh Vegetables

• Carrot sticks: Crunchy carrots add a sweet contrast to the creamy labneh.
• Cucumber slices: Refreshing cucumbers complement the garlic flavor beautifully.
• Bell pepper strips: Sweet bell peppers provide a colorful and tasty dipping option.

As a Spread

• Pita bread: Spread garlic labneh on warm pita for a simple yet flavorful snack.
• Toasted baguette: Use toasted slices of baguette for an easy appetizer that impresses.
• Crackers: Pair with assorted crackers for a satisfying crunchy bite.

In Salads

• Garden salad: Drizzle garlic labneh over mixed greens for added creaminess and flavor.
• Grain bowls: Add dollops of garlic labneh to grain bowls for richness and depth.

With Grilled Meats

• Chicken skewers: Serve alongside grilled chicken skewers to enhance the dish with creamy texture.
• Lamb burgers: A side of garlic labneh elevates lamb burgers with its rich flavor.

How to Perfect Garlic Labneh

Making perfect garlic labneh requires attention to detail and technique. Here are some tips to ensure your labneh is always a hit.

• Choose high-quality yogurt: Using thick Greek yogurt gives you the best texture and flavor for your labneh.
• Let it strain longer: For an extra thick consistency, allow the yogurt to strain for 20-30 minutes instead of just 10-15 minutes.
• Adjust garlic according to taste: Start with less garlic, then add more if you prefer a stronger flavor.
• Use fresh lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds brightness compared to bottled options.
• Garnish creatively: Experiment with toppings like spices, herbs, or nuts to enhance both flavor and presentation.

Best Side Dishes for Garlic Labneh

Garlic labneh pairs wonderfully with many side dishes. Here’s a list of some great options that can complement its rich creaminess.

1. Stuffed Grape Leaves: These flavorful bites filled with rice and herbs work perfectly alongside garlic labneh.
2. Roasted Eggplant: Smoky roasted eggplant enhances the taste of labneh, creating a delightful combination.
3. Tabbouleh Salad: This fresh parsley salad brings brightness that balances the richness of the labneh.
4. Falafel Balls: Crispy falafel offers a hearty contrast when served with creamy garlic labneh.
5. Hummus: A classic pairing, hummus adds another layer of flavor and texture that complements garlic labneh well.
6. Grilled Zucchini: Tender grilled zucchini drizzled with olive oil makes a light side that goes well with labneh.
7. Spiced Chickpeas: Roasted chickpeas seasoned with spices provide crunch and protein alongside your dip.
8. Couscous Salad: Fluffy couscous mixed with vegetables creates a satisfying side dish that works beautifully with garlic labneh.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Labneh can be a delightful addition to your meals, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for when making garlic labneh.

• Not draining enough: If you don’t drain the yogurt long enough, your labneh might be too watery. Aim for at least 10-15 minutes of draining for the perfect consistency.
• Skipping seasoning: Failing to season your labneh with salt and lemon can result in bland flavors. Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
• Using low-quality olive oil: A poor quality olive oil will affect the overall taste of your garlic labneh. Invest in a good extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
• Overmixing ingredients: Mixing too vigorously can break down the texture of labneh. Gently fold in garlic and lemon juice to maintain creaminess.
• Ignoring garnishes: Skipping toppings like pine nuts or herbs can make your dish less visually appealing and flavorful. Don’t forget those finishing touches!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• • Duration: Store garlic labneh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• • Container: Use an airtight container to keep it fresh and prevent it from absorbing odors.

Freezing Garlic Labneh

• • Duration: Garlic labneh can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• • Container: Place in a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion.

Reheating Garlic Labneh

• Oven: Preheat to a low temperature, cover with foil, and warm gently until just heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts (about 15-20 seconds) on low power, stirring in between to ensure even warming.
• Stovetop: Place in a small pan over low heat, stirring frequently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about garlic labneh that may help you create the perfect dish.

What is Garlic Labneh?

Garlic labneh is a creamy Middle Eastern yogurt dip enhanced with fresh garlic and lemon juice, making it flavorful and versatile.

How do I serve Garlic Labneh?

Garlic labneh is best served as a dip with pita bread or vegetables. It also makes an excellent spread on sandwiches or wraps.

Can I make Garlic Labneh ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare garlic labneh a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully before serving.

What variations can I try with Garlic Labneh?

Feel free to customize by adding spices or herbs like dill, thyme, or chili flakes for different flavor profiles.

Final Thoughts

Garlic labneh is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. It can be used as a dip, spread, or even drizzled over roasted vegetables. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different toppings or spices to make it your own!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Garlic Labneh

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x

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Description

Garlic Labneh is a creamy, flavorful yogurt dip that brings a delightful twist to your appetizer spread. This easy-to-make Middle Eastern dip combines the richness of Greek yogurt with the aromatic essence of fresh garlic and zesty lemon juice, creating a perfect balance of taste and texture. Whether served as a dip with fresh vegetables, spread on warm pita bread, or drizzled over grilled meats, Garlic Labneh is versatile and sure to impress at any gathering. Customize it with your favorite toppings like toasted pine nuts or fresh herbs for an extra burst of flavor. Get ready to elevate your snacking experience with this delectable dish!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 500 g thick Greek yogurt
• 1 tsp flaky salt
• 1 garlic clove
• 1/2 lemon (juiced)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Toasted pine nuts
• Chopped parsley
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Sumac (optional)

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Instructions

1. Strain the yogurt by placing cheesecloth in a fine mesh sieve over a bowl. Pour in yogurt and sprinkle salt. Let it drain for 10-15 minutes until thickened.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the strained yogurt with finely grated garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. Adjust seasoning to taste.
3. Spread the labneh onto a serving plate. Garnish with toasted pine nuts, parsley, and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/4 cup (60g)
• Calories: 97
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 5mg