Deliciously Healthy: The Perfect Balance

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I’m thrilled to share another enticing recipe from my cookbook, My Sisters’ Cookbook—Food and Menopause, which is dedicated to exploring healthy alternatives backed by scientific research. Check it out here!

What exactly is labneh, and why should you try it?

Homemade low-fat cheese is a delicious and versatile Middle Eastern delicacy that you can effortlessly create in your own kitchen. The star ingredient, Greek yoghurt, not only provides essential nutrients but also boasts a lower fat content than many other cheeses.

Imagine indulging in this silky, white cheese on your favourite sandwiches and toasts, or shaping it into delightful balls for healthy afternoon snacks. It’s a fantastic addition to any mezze platter or cheeseboard, unlocking a world of culinary possibilities. With just a simple cheesecloth and a sieve, you can transform Greek yoghurt into this mouthwatering cheese in no time.

Why do I enjoy Greek yoghurt so much? Here are a few reasons:

1. It’s a great source of probiotics, which are beneficial for gut health (you can read more about probiotics and how to incorporate them into your diet in my cookbook).

2. It provides calcium, which is essential for bone health—especially important for women going through menopause.

3. It’s high in protein.

4. It’s low in carbohydrates.

5. It contains potassium, which is beneficial for heart health.

I have tried many different types of Greek yoghurt, and my favourite is the basic one I buy from Lidl supermarkets here in the UK.

The first test to ensure that the yogurt you’re using is the right kind is its thickness. It should not be easily pourable or semi-liquid. In addition to having a creamy texture, which includes both thickness and smoothness, it should not be too sour. While a pleasant level of sourness is normal for yogurt, if it is overwhelmingly sour, it likely means that the yogurt has been over-processed, and the fats have been removed. Without those fats, not only are the flavours diminished, but it also means that no cheese can be made from it.

How to Make Healthy Labneh Cheese from Greek Yoghurt

To make labneh, use only Greek yoghurt as the main ingredient. This simple recipe requires Greek yoghurt, cheesecloth, and a sieve for straining.

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Ingredients:

• 500g Greek yoghurt

To roll the cheese balls:

• Sieve
• Cheesecloth
• A large bowl that fits underneath the sieve
• Dukkha (recipe here), chopped nuts, chopped fresh herbs, pomegranate seeds…

instructions:

1. Line a sieve with cheesecloth and set it over a bowl.

2. Carefully spoon Greek yoghurt into the sieve and let it strain overnight and in the fridge.

3. Shape labneh cheese into smooth, bite-sized cheese balls. To give them a burst of flavour, roll each ball in chopped nuts, fragrant fresh herbs, or my personal favourite – dukkah – a crunchy, aromatic Middle Eastern spice blend.

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