How to Make Labneh Cheese

This is a simple and easy fresh cheese originating from the Middle East. It looks lovely, it tastes great and it's healthy, spreadable and inexpensive. Moreover, it is easy to make. This recipe will make approximately 12 oz. of labneh cheese.

Ingredients

500g/17 oz plain full fat yogurt or soy yogurt, purchased or make your own
1/2 teaspoon salt (if you'd rather have a sweet version, use 3 tablespoons of superfine/caster sugar instead of the salt)
Flavorings/spices: crushed coriander or cumin seeds, citrus zest, pinch dried chilli, fresh herbs finely chopped, vanilla paste, chopped dried fruits, etc. (Optional)

Steps

1
Cut a large square of cheesecloth or muslin (calico) (around 15 inches or 38cm in diameter). Rinse the cheesecloth or muslin and line a colander or sieve with it. Ensure that excess cloth hangs over the edges; you'll be using this to tie up with. You can also use a large paper coffee filter for this, but it takes a little longer than cheesecloth.
2
Place the lined colander or sieve over a suitably sized mixing bowl. Alternatively, use a jelly stand if you have one.
3
Pour the yogurt into another mixing bowl. Add the salt (or sugar). If using flavorings or spices, add at this stage. Anything added should be completely stirred through. Traditionalists enjoy this cheese extremely pungent, so adding spices is usual. Experiment with different mixes to find what works best for you. If you'd rather add the spices or flavorings later, see below.
4
Empty the mixed yogurt on top of the cheesecloth. It's best spooned in, to save splashing mess.
5
Bring up the sides and tie tightly with string, leaving a length of string to tie up so the bag will hang and drip into the bowl placed beneath the bag.
6
Place a weight on top of the tied-up bag. The easiest thing to use is a small plate with a can placed on top. It doesn't need to be that heavy.
- You can also choose to leave the weight off and let the cheese come together with gravity. Wrap it in a cheesecloth, tie it off with twine, let hang it in the kitchen over a bowl.
7
Place the container in a cool place for at least 15 hours. Purists leave the cheese out in a cool room to drip into a sink. However, if your kitchen or storage area isn't very cool, to minimize the risk of bacteria or mold, place the cheese mixture into the refrigerator.
- The cheese can be left for 1-2 days, until the desired consistency is reached. The longer that the cheese is left, the firmer it becomes.
- The process can be sped up by squeezing the cheesecloth/muslin to force the excess water out.
8
Remove from refrigerator. Unwrap the cheese and drain any excess liquid (there is usually some); this is the "whey", while the remaining cheese is the "curds." Reserve the drained liquid and turn the cheese onto a plate or into a bowl.
- At this stage, you can add fresh herbs or dried fruit by whisking/beating this through the cheese. Obviously this will change the consistency and shape of the cheese, so be sure you wish to do this at this stage.
9
Store in the refrigerator, covered. Placing plastic wrap directly on the surface of the cheese keeps it fresher.
- This cheese will keep for up to 4 days when chilled and covered.
- For longer keeping, roll the cheese into small balls. Place the balls into a sterilized jar and cover with extra virgin olive oil. Add some rosemary or thyme stalks and some spice seeds such as coriander. Leave to marinate; it should be allowed to marinate for at least 1 day before eating. Store in the refrigerator and use within a week or two.
10
Serve. The cheese is for spreading and goes well with fresh bread and on crackers. It's also enjoyable on its own, added to a platter of dips and crudités and as a topping for steamed vegetables.

Community Q&A

Question

Which yogurt is best for this?

Community Answer

The ultimate would be an organic, full fat, plain Greek yogurt. You want the most natural unflavored yogurt so you can add your own flavor or herbs.
Question

What do I do with the reserved liquid?

Community Answer

The liquid is the "whey". It is full of protein and other vitamins and minerals. Add it to smoothies for a healthier drink.
Question

Can you buy this? Is it like Turkish white cheese sold in liquid?

Community Answer

It is sold throughout the Middle East in grocery stores.
Question

Any hints and tips for rolling my freshly-made cheese into balls to store under oil? I can't help thinking that it'll stick to my hands. Should I oil my hands, for example?

Community Answer

Getting your hands messy is inevitable, I'm afraid! Use a spoon to scoop out the mixture initially, then shape as best you can. Leave them on a tray lined with paper towels or a clean dishcloth to drain for a couple of hours longer in the fridge.
Question

How could I give this a blue cheese flavor?

Community Answer

Before you add the yogurt to the cheesecloth, you can add some crumbled blue cheese or blue cheese dressing to the yogurt. If you choose to add the dressing, then you should leave the yogurt in the cheesecloth for 17-18 hours instead of 15 hours.

Warnings

Be sure to rinse your cheesecloth well before using it, you don't want the cheese to taste like dish-soap, or dryer sheets.

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Don't take a chance with bacterial contamination by draining this at room temperature.

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