Enjoy labneh, a thick, tangy Middle Eastern yogurt, seasoned simply with crushed red pepper, black pepper, and garlic, then topped with some herbs and a drizzle of good olive oil. It’s a great dip for bread and veggies.`
Labneh is a Middle Eastern fresh cheese that is made from strained yogurt. It is served as a dip or spread for pita or other bread at any meal. Find it in the dairy or specialty cheese section of some supermarkets, gourmet cheese stores or Middle Eastern markets. If prepared labneh is unavailable, make your own. Line a strainer with a few layers of cheesecloth or muslin. Place strainer in a deep bowl. Mix 2 cups plain Greek-style or regular full-fat yogurt and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Spoon into lined strainer. Fold up ends of cheesecloth. Let stand in refrigerator 12 to 18 hours. Spoon drained yogurt into small bowl, discarding liquid. Add 2 tablespoons sour cream. Continue as directed in recipe.