Labna, Lebaneh, Laben

May 23, 2023May 23, 20230 3

Delicious and Healthy Labna, Lebaneh and Laben Recipe

by The Chefin Dip

Prep

10 min

Cook

24 hr

Ready In

24 hr 10 min

Level

Very easy

Rating

Ingredients

	1 gallon whole milk ( or 2 % , goats milk would be SUPER if you can get it )
	1/2 cup yogurt , with active cultures ( PLAIN -not vanilla ! )
	salt , to taste

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe

4-6

Calories

Sugar

Fat

Labna, lebaneh and laben are three traditional Middle Eastern dips that are enjoyed all over the world. They are a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional dips like sour cream or ranch. Labna is a tangy and creamy dip made from strained yogurt that is naturally low in fat and sugar. It can be enjoyed as a spread on bread or crackers, or as a dip for vegetables. Lebaneh is a similar dip to labna, but it is rolled into small balls and stored in olive oil. It has a slightly salty taste and is perfect for spreading on bread or pita. Laben is a drinkable version of labna that is thick, creamy and tangy. It is perfect for those who like to drink their yogurt or as a base for smoothies. This recipe is a great way to make all three dips at once using only a few simple ingredients. Once you have made them, store them in the fridge for up to a week and enjoy them with your favorite snacks or meals.

Instructions

1.	In a heavy-bottomed pot, bring the milk to a rolling boil. Stir constantly to prevent the milk from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
2.	Remove from heat and slowly mix in the yogurt. Stir gently and thoroughly to ensure the yogurt is fully incorporated.
3.	Cover the pot with a lid or plastic wrap and leave it in a warm place for 12-24 hours. The longer you let it sit, the thicker and tangier it will become.
4.	Once it has thickened, add salt to taste.
5.	To make labna, strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or coffee filter until it reaches your desired thickness.
6.	To make lebaneh, mix in some extra salt and roll the mixture into small balls. Store in olive oil.
7.	To make laben, simply pour the mixture into a container and let it sit in the fridge for a few hours to thicken.

PROS

This recipe yields three different types of delicious and healthy Middle Eastern dips.

The ingredients are simple and easy to find in any grocery store.

Labna, lebaneh and laben are all rich in probiotics and protein.

CONS

Making these dips requires patience and planning ahead of time.

While the prep time is minimal, the waiting period for it to thicken can be long.

Some people may not enjoy the tangy taste of labna, lebaneh or laben.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

These dips are full of probiotics and good bacteria, which helps promote digestion and gut health.
The high protein content of these dips is also beneficial for building and repairing muscle tissue.
Labna, lebaneh and laben are all low in sugar and carbohydrates, making them a smart choice for those watching their blood sugar levels.