Make Labneh Cheese

This is a simple and easy fresh cheese product recipe from Lebanon and the Middle East for a healthy, spreadable, delicious and inexpensive cheese that is easy to make. This recipe will make approximately 12 oz. of labneh cheese.

Steps

 * 1) Purchase (or make) a quart of full-milk yogurt or soy yogurt.
 * 2) Cut a 15-inch square of cheesecloth.
 * 3) Empty the contents of the yogurt carton on top of the cheesecloth.
 * 4) 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 a bowl placed beneath the bag, OR use a jelly stand if you have one.
 * 5) Place the container in the refrigerator (purists leave it out to drip into the sink, but for bacteria/mold reasons, don't leave it out) and leave it there for 1-2 days until desired spreadable consistency is reached.
 * 6) Remove from refrigerator and reserve the drained liquid (which is called whey) when the cheese has reached the desired consistency. The solid part that is the cheese are also called curds.
 * 7) Add spices and herbs to taste. Traditionalists enjoy this cheese extremely pungent. Experiment with different mixes to find what works best for you.
 * 8) Transfer your cheese to a small bowl and cover with plastic wrap placed directly on the surface of the cheese (keeps it fresher).

Tips

 * Place a small plate and 12-oz weight (like a can of soup) on top of the cheesecloth to speed processing.
 * Add 100 mls (3oz) of fresh double cream for a cheese very similar to cream cheese.
 * Flavorings: salt, herbs, garlic, jam, fresh fruit, or hot sauce.
 * Use as a low-fat cream cheese substitute in dip recipes.
 * Please don't discard the whey! It is full of minerals and enzymes. Use it as the liquid in your next batch of bread, or soup.
 * Instead of discarding the whey, use it in pancakes or muffins, it will make the best pancakes or muffins you have ever had!

Warnings

 * Don't take a chance with bacterial contamination by draining this at room temperature.
 * be sure to rinse your cheesecloth well before using it, you don't want the cheese to taste like dishsoap, or dryer sheets.

Things You'll Need

 * Plain full fat yogurt or soy yogurt
 * Cheese cloth
 * String
 * Bowl
 * Optional: Salt, Herbs, Garlic, Fruit

Related Tips and Steps

 * How to Make Yogurt
 * How to Fry Cheese
 * How to Make a Delicious Cream Cheese Crab Dip
 * How to Make Fried Kasseri Cheese with Cucumber Sauce

Sources and Citations

 * Information and Links on Making Wisconsin-style cheese
 * Factoids about Yogurt Cheese
 * Yogurt Cheese Recipes