Are you looking for a healthy and delicious cheese with a soft texture and unique taste? Labneh cheese is an excellent choice for you. This creamy cheese is made from strained yogurt and, unlike other cheeses, not only has a mild flavor but is also rich in nutrients such as high protein and low fat, making it a perfect option for those seeking a healthy diet. In this article, we will explore the features and uses of this tasty cheese.
Labneh cheese is a soft and creamy cheese made from strained yogurt, with a mild taste and a light, creamy texture. Unlike other traditional cheeses usually made from fresh milk, labneh is obtained by separating the whey from yogurt, giving it its dense and creamy consistency. Widely used in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines, it is not only delicious but also rich in benefits such as being low in fat, high in protein, and calcium.
To produce labneh cheese, strained yogurt is placed in a sieve to separate the whey until a thick and spreadable product is obtained. In the industry, this process may involve pressure or adding milk proteins to thicken the yogurt. Then, rennet and specific bacteria are added to ferment and enhance the flavor. The result is a rich and healthy cheese with a unique taste and texture.
If you want to prepare labneh cheese at home, here are simple steps:
Place a large strainer in a bowl and line it with several layers of cheesecloth.
For each 1 cup of labneh, use 340 g plain Greek yogurt, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.
Pour the mixture into the strainer and refrigerate for 12–24 hours. The longer it strains, the thicker it gets.
Once ready, you can mix it with olive oil and herbs for added flavor and serve with fresh vegetables or bread.
This homemade method not only allows you to make healthy and natural labneh cheese, but also gives you the opportunity to customize the flavor and ingredients according to your preference.
Labneh cheese is a natural and healthy option that can easily replace other cheeses in your diet thanks to its many properties.
Labneh cheese is produced from fresh, organic milk sourced from certified farms, free from chemicals or artificial hormones. This ensures not only great taste but also high nutritional value. The entire production process is natural, making labneh a safe and healthy choice.
One of the key features of labneh cheese is that it is free from chemicals, additives, and preservatives. It is a 100% natural product directly derived from strained yogurt.
Labneh cheese is packed with calcium and protein, supporting bone and muscle health. Calcium helps prevent osteoporosis, while protein aids in tissue repair, immunity, and muscle maintenance.
With controlled fat and high nutritional value, labneh is ideal for people following healthy diets. It is low in calories and high in protein, making it perfect for weight management.
With its mild flavor and creamy texture, labneh provides a pleasant cheese experience. It can be easily used in breakfast, salads, snacks, or desserts.
Unlike regular cheeses often associated with breakfast, labneh is versatile and can be used in meals throughout the day.
Labneh is a great breakfast choice. It can be combined with lemon juice, nuts, vegetables, and a little salt, or served with olive oil, chickpeas, and beans as in Lebanon.
Thanks to its creamy texture, labneh is an excellent base for dips. Mix it with olive oil, garlic, or herbs to create tasty dips for chips, fries, or grilled sausages.
Labneh is a lighter alternative to cream cheese in desserts such as cheesecakes, pastries, and smoothies. It can also be baked into cakes.
Because of its similarity to yogurt, labneh works perfectly as a marinade, making meat and chicken more tender and flavorful.
Labneh mixed with fresh vegetables, olive oil, and lemon juice creates a healthy base for sandwiches and salads.
Labneh is not only used in traditional dishes but also in creative and modern recipes.
Replace mozzarella with labneh for a creamy texture and unique flavor on pizza.
Spread labneh on flatbread or tortillas, add fresh vegetables, and roll it up for a healthy snack.
Add labneh to your soufflé or gratin for a soft, creamy texture and mild taste.
Use labneh instead of cream in soups like pumpkin or mushroom for fewer calories and extra flavor.
Mix labneh with olive oil, lemon juice, and dried herbs for a light, creamy pasta sauce.
Fill croissants or sweet bread with labneh and honey or jam for a creamy, sweet snack.
Spread a layer of labneh on your homemade burgers for extra creaminess.
Mix labneh with herbs and spices, roll into small balls, and coat with sesame, crushed pistachios, or saffron.
A 28 g serving of labneh (in oil) provides:
Calories: 80
Protein: 5 g
Fat: 6 g
Sodium: 530 mg (23% DV)
Calcium: 14% DV
Vitamin A: 6% DV
Iron: 2% DV
It also contains small amounts of phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium.
Labneh, being natural and additive-free, is rich in protein and low in calories. Its protein supports immunity, muscle mass, and bone density while boosting metabolism and blood sugar control. It also increases satiety, helping with weight management.