MIDDLE EAST
Spicy Labneh Dip
The story
Labneh is a soft cheese made from strained yogurt and is very popular in Middle Eastern cuisine. Traditionally it is made by straining yogurt until it becomes a creamy, cheese-like substance used as a dip or spread. Labneh can be dressed up with a variety of flavors to be spicy, sweet, or served as a cooling accompaniment to spicy dishes.
Ingredients
Olive oil 1/4 cup
Labneh or Greek yoghurt 1 1/2 cups
Scallions 2, chopped fine
Dried onion flakes 1 tablespoon
Red pepper flakes 1 teaspoon
Chives 1 tablespoon, finely chopped
Salt to taste
Lemon juice from half a lemon
Black pepper, freshly ground, to taste
Za'atar seasoning 1 teaspoon (optional)
Chili oil 1 teaspoon (optional)
Method
01
Heat the oil in a small saute pan and cook the scallions, red pepper flakes and onion flakes over medium heat until they sizzle and the oil turns orange. Add the chives at the very end and swirl before turning off the heat.
02
Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper.
03
Combine the labneh or Greek yoghurt and lemon juice in a medium bowl and season with salt, pepper and za'atar.
04
Spoon into a bowl and swirl in the orange oil mixture. Enjoy!
05
Add remaining figs, almonds and coriander.
06
Serve hot with bread, rice or couscous.