Labneh (Yogurt Cheese)
Serves: Fills two 1-pound jars
 
Labneh - A healthy and delicious yogurt cheese is easy to make and makes a wonderful breakfast item or snack! Recipe slightly adapted from, Mediterranean Kitchen.
Ingredients
  • 2 pounds (32 ounces) full-fat plain yogurt
  • ¾ teaspoon sea salt
  • 1½ tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 1½ tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
  • 2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
  • 2 cups extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 loaf baguette, sliced diagonally into ½-inch pieces and toasted
Instructions
  1. Set a large fine-meshed sieve lined with cheese cloth over a deep bowl. Add the yogurt and allow to drain in the refrigerator for 2 - 3 days.
  2. When you're ready to assemble the Labneh, sterilize two 1-pound glass jars and their lids (see note below).
  3. In a bowl, add the salt, rosemary, thyme, crushed red pepper, olive oil, and stir well to combine. Fill the sterilized jars halfway with the herb and olive oil mix, reserve the remaining herb oil for later use.
  4. Using a teaspoon, scoop a heaping amount of yogurt into your clean palm and roll between your hands to form a ball. Drop the balls of yogurt into the herb/oil mix as you complete them. Fill the jars, but do not pack them. Once you have filled the jars with the rolled yogurt, top off the jar (if needed) with the reserved herb oil.
  5. You may use it right away, or keep refrigerated for up to a month. If you refrigerate the labneh, the oil can become a bit cloudy and thick. To return the herb oil to its original appearance, simply allow the jar to sit out on the counter for 15 minutes or so, until clear. (Don't worry about it spoiling when sitting out for this amount of time - the oil helps to preserve the labneh). When you're ready to use, spread the labneh on a slice of baguette, pita, or flatbread. Enjoy!
Notes
To sterilize jars in order to prevent bacterial growth (botulism), bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Clean the jars with warm soapy water, rinse well, and add the jars to the boiling water. Boil for 15 minutes. Remove the jars using clean tongs and fill the jars with the food of your choice.
Recipe by at https://hapanom.com/labneh-yogurt-cheese/