Whether it’s combined with Kibby to create Kibby Lebanieh, used as a dip for Zahtar Bread, or simply paired with pita bread (a combination Big Steve considered “brain food” during his school days), the tangy taste of Lebaneh is unmistakeable. Beginning with a good full-fat yogurt is the key to success here—stop by The Pantry for more information about the Bulgarian-style brand we recommend. Other tools you’ll need at your disposal: cheesecloth, a colander, and weights of some sort. No need to get too fancy…a stack of kitchen plates works just fine.
LEBANEH YOGURT
Ingredients
- 1 quart plain whole milk yogurt, preferably Bulgarian style yogurt
- 1 pinch kosher salt
- 2 oz cold water
Directions:
Line a colander with a layered cheesecloth and then place the colander into a mixing bowl. Remove 2 large spoonfuls of yogurt from the jar and drop directly onto cheesecloth. To the yogurt remaining in the jar, add a pinch of salt and 2 oz cold water. Replace the lid on the yogurt jar and shake jar to combine, using a spoon to stir for further incorporation if necessary.
Add the yogurt/water mixture into the colander and stir with a spoon. Fold the edges of the cheesecloth over the top of the yogurt mixture. Place your weighted object on top of the cheesecloth. Place the entire assembly into the refrigerator overnight. Before going to bed, check your Lebaneh and drain off water that has collected in the mixing bowl.
The next morning, it’s time to unwrap the present! Remove weighted object and gently lift up each layer of the cheesecloth to reveal a very firm Lebaneh. Grasp the corners of the cheesecloth and lift the Labneh from the colander, and flip into your serving dish. Using the back of a large spoon, smooth the Lebaneh to the edges of your serving dish, drizzle with olive oil, and serve.
Notes: To clean your cheesecloth, hold beneath very hot water until the water runs clear. Gently ring the cheesecloth and hang to dry. Once completely dry, store in a Ziplock bag. If you’re gentle with your cheesecloth you should be able to use it many times.