Labna Cheese Recipes

LABNA CHEESE

Steps:

• Mix the garlic salt thoroughly with the Yogurt, Traditionally we would use real garlic, But Garlic can Botulise in oil and become toxic, So to be safe this provides the same flavour without the health risk.
• Line a strainer with a Chux Cloth (Or any fine, clean cloth) and pour in the yogurt, place it in the fridge for 2-3 days over a bowl, roughly half the liquid (Whey) will be removed.
• Roll the cheese into small balls about the size of a large cherry, Place them in an airtight container, Do one layer of balls, Then sprinkle your selection of herbs over the top, pour in just enough oil to cover them, then one drop of Tabasco, Repeat the layering until you are finished,.
• The oil may solidify, This means the oil you have used has a high wax content, or your fridge is to cold, But this shouldn't happen to most people, and if it does just leave it out for 2 or 3 minutes before eating some, the oil will melt.
• Let them marinate for at least 5 days before eating, They will keep for about a month, The oil is wonderful for cooking with when your done.

YOGHURT CHEESE (LABNA)

Steps:

• Place a sieve over a large bowl. Line the sieve with a piece of cheesecloth or a Chux cloth.
• Stir your yoghurt well then pour into the cloth in the sieve. Fold the sides of the cloth over the yoghurt.
• Place the bowl & sieve into the fridge and leave to drain for up to 48 hours. I like to drain the whey every few hours so I can monitor the progress.
• The cheese is ready when it is not releasing any whey. At this point taste and season with salt, if desired. Shape into a ball/mound.
• Use as you would any other soft cheese. To serve with dips simply drizzle the mound with good olive oil and garnish with shredded mint.

LABNA (YOGHURT CHEESE)

Steps:

• Mix all ingredients together well.
• Pour into a colander lined with muslin.
• Tie the muslin to form a bag.
• Hang the yoghurt mixture for 2 days, placing a pot or bowl underneath to catch the liquid.
• After the 2 days, remove the Labna from the muslin, roll into walnut sized balls.
• Place in a large jar, then cover with a light olive oil.

LABNEH (LEBANESE CREAM CHEESE)

Steps:

• Line a large colander with a cheesecloth. Stir salt into the yogurt, and pour the yogurt into the cheesecloth. Set the colander in the sink or bowl to catch the liquid that drains off. Leave to drain for 24 hours.
• After draining for the 24 hours, transfer the resulting cheese to a bowl. Stir in the olive oil. Store in a covered container in the refrigerator.