If you take a look into my parent’s garage you’ll see one thing apart from their car. It is about a year’s supply of soy milk, a collection of jars and about three month’s supply of juice. I don’t believe that they think we’re in danger of an immediate nuclear threat (nor does barricading yourself in a garage help in this circumstance). The truth is that they saw these items on sale and since they regularly buy them, they filled a shopping trolley full of them.
I’m afraid this strange hoarding behaviour sometimes rubs off on me. I don’t hoard a lot of things-there is simply no space to do so here, but when I see a good deal I get very excited. When I was on my Auburn food tour I saw this 2kg container of natural yogurt for $3.99 which still had 3.5 weeks until expiry so I popped one in the trolley. Mr NQN ate about a kilo of it with some delicious maple caramel syrup ribboned throughout it and I decided to make the other kilo into labne, a delicious yogurt cheese inspired by the fabulous Celia’s adventures making labne.
Please don’t think I’m insane in suggesting that you spend all weekend making a cheese. This is really a set and forget item. You simply mix salt into the yogurt and leave it to drain overnight. You can then roll it into balls and then eat it straight or roll it in herbs or spices and then store it in oil. And honestly, that is it. The labne balls are delicious-similar to a cream cheese but with so much less fat in them. It tastes great spread on bread as a cream cheese substitute or in a salad. There is a certain satisfaction in making basics such as bread and cheese and apart from the taste good feeling you get from eating them, there is also a feel good attitude from having made these that never quite turns into feelings of smugness, just satisfaction.
So tell me Dear Reader, do you have a secret stash of anything? And what is it? Chocolate? Shoes? Handbags?
Home Made Labne Yogurt Cheese
- 1kg natural yogurt
- 1 tablespoon salt
- Spice mix
- Fresh herbs
1. Mix salt with the natural yogurt. Line a sieve with two layers of cheesecloth (or strong paper towels or clean Chux cloths). Place sieve over a large bowl and drain for 2 days in the fridge. I found that I had to empty the whey after a few hours as there was a lot of whey within the first 2-3 hours.
2. In two days, chop up herbs finely and place on a plate. On another plate, place some of your favourite spice mix.
3. Roll the drained yogurt into balls and then roll in herbs or spices. Place in a clean glass jar with olive oil. Marvel at your cheese making skills just quietly 
If you enjoyed this post, why not share it with your friends?
What is NQN up to now?
NQN on Facebook
RSS
82 Comments | Add your own
wow! this is brilliant!thank you for this lovely post!
I love labne, I’ve made similar dish with honey (dessert), and it was delicious! I always have a stash of 85% or 99% chocolate for my daily fix
This is right up my alley!
I’m a quasi-hoarder – I don’t go overboard, but I would definitely taken up that bargain!
Oh, the joy of Chinese parents. I wonder if it’s cultural, this inability to resist stocking up when there’s a bargain to be had. I know I’ve certainly got it bad..
Thank you very much for the shout-out, and I’m so glad you liked the labne balls! Mine never made it under oil, but yours look so gorgeous and glistening that I’m definitely doing that next time!
If I had 2kg of Natural Yogurt, it’d probably disappear in like…. a week
I keep meaning to try making Labne, but yogurt by itself is just too good 
Labne is one of my favourite things! And I never knew it was so easy to make.
In our house we have a secret stash of Biozet washing powder. It rarely goes on sale where we live so when we see it we buy it. A lot of it.
I love that speciality! Your labne looks delicious. That spice mix must taste wonderful.
Cheers,
Rosa
I’m impressed! I didn’t realize it was that easy to make these. I can’t wait for yogurt to go on sale in my local market.
I have a massive stash of chic nuts in my cupboard and everytime I see them I buy a packet to add to my growing collecton. I think I have a problem – I am ok with it.
oh my – this is awesome!!!
Lorraine…yes, I guess in a very strange way…hoarding is part of my life too. Since we downsized from a very big house into a complex…my puppy needs diapers…imagine…other than specials on almond milk…diapers it is. LOL
About the labne…love this very simple idea…I’ll be giving this a try for sure.
BTW…tell your Mr.NQN…that his caramel sauce idea is right up my alley too ;o)
Ciao for now,
Claudia
rather than needing to drain the whey a couple of times, we place our yoghurt in a muslin or calico bag and hang it on the tap over the kitchen sink. However our labne never lasts long enough to roll it into balls, it gets eaten immediately sprinkled with dried mint and olive oil with a lot of pita bread!
Wow, how simple! I’ll be trying this out this weekend – thanks!
These look too delicious for words – great idea, and I couldn’t agree more on the sentiment about making your own basis.
I am a tad embarassed to confess that I hoard toilet paper and paper towels. I just hate carrying these items back from the supermarket (once I got stuck talking to my old boss with a 12-pack under my arm). Plus, I like the “double length” rolls of loo paper, which are heavy. So I order loads of them online and stash them away, and it’s always most convenient as your never seem to run out…
when it’s draining over the two days, does it need to be in the fridge or can it be left on the bench?
How wonderful – I have never heard of labne before, nor did I know that you can make cheese from yoghurt. I am doing a 2 day cheesemaking course with Graham Redhead in November, and I am really looking forward to it. Secret stashes – LOL, I am a hoarder, and I have a perpetual space problem – which explains why I have avoided unpacking half of my boxes when I moved.
Fantastic! I love Labne! I must try this, could be a good item for my xmas hampers!
Just to clarify do you leave this out or is it refrigerated during the making time?
YUM YUM – how long will these last in the oil?
Looks delicious Lorraine! Ihave a secret stash of Haig’s chocolate almonds in the cupboard. Frank doesn’t know which one, but he knows they are somewhere.
That looks fantastic. I’ve never had this kind of cheese. Is it bocconcini like in its consistency?
it’s on my to do list! love it – great idea!
I am hallucinating this yoghurt cheese being spread on some good sourdough mmm…
You’re so adventurous! I love it!
These look just lovely and are an inspiration! I have been meaning to make this for months and have to take something to a grand final lunch on Saturday – so guess what Ill be doing tomorrow?
This looks so delicious, Lorraine! I have a not-so-secret stash of dark chocolate, sirena tuna (i always grab it when on sale!) and nut butters!!
Heidi xo
I LOVE your delightful restaurant reviews, Lorraine…but I also adore your home kitchen adventures! Now you know how much I love my dairy…and this is like a double dose of it, all rolled into one ball! How fab is that!
Chocolate, though it’s hardly secret. But it’s definite a stash!
Also, I eat my yoghurt with maple syrup all the time… I should try this, though, as the lactose issue makes cream cheese a no-no for me!
Labne is a traditional Lebanese cheese eaten in the morning, and there are 2 different kinds that have different consistencies: one is more creamy like softened cream cheese not as much water is taken out of it, and olive oil is poured over it. We eat it with olives and arabic bread, cut up tomatoes and cucumbers. The 2nd type is the one like the one described above and the reason it was done this way is because people did not have fridges in the old days, so when you store things with olive oil, the oil protects them from going bad. The flavours also are totally different. The one in jars has more of an acid flavour.
Hah! I think every Asian parent hoards food products they’ve gotten deals on. My Asian-American friend’s Mom lives alone, yet her freezer is stocked with giant bags of Ikea meatballs! Way too much for one person. But her mom just couldn’t resist the price and convenience.
Excellent gift idea! Just a question…should the jars be sterilized first? And what is an easy way of doing that? I’ve bought these before, but seeing they are so easy to make, I’m going to give it a go.
Never had Labne before, what a cool idea though. I am a hoarder of… too many things! The mass amounts of soy milk and juice n your parent’s garage reminds me of when we entered into 2000, everyone thought the world was going to end or something like that, some of our family members stocked up on rice and water!
how would they go if you rolled them in dukkah? anyone willing to try?
What a brilliant idea for the weekend! I will have to try this.
Hi NQN,
do you use Greek style or traditional yogurt for labne?
thanks
Anita
oh and there’s a stash of lindt 70 and 85% round here.
Fabulous, thanks Lorraine! I was wondering what to do with the rest of the natural yoghurt I bought to stir into a dish… I’m going to try it this weekend
Fabulous! I made Paneer last night, which is equally as easy and satisfying. I will be making labne this weekend after your inspiring and taste budding wrenching post.
And finally, what do I like to hoard: chilli stuffed olives! I buy a kilo at a time, and always get asked the question (hesitantly): “Uh… are you having a dinner party?” | Me: “No.” | Them: “Oh. Okay.” Weird looks ensue.
I’ve never heard of Labne cheese.. it sounds delicious though! Your parents garage sounds like my grandparents basement.. ha I totally hoard chocolate chips.. its like every time I go to the grocery I grab another bag of chocolate just in case..weird I know.
Ooooo.. I’ve heard that these are quite easy to make and it’s good to know that they actually work!
Thanks for today’s post, TRUE!
Believe it or not, is something always wanted to do!
Appreciate you inspiring me!
Thanks for sharing the tip they are EASY!
I discovered labne this winter and had to make it. I found a great yogurt strainer in a local cookware store and have been making it regularly. I have several friends who are lactose intolerant but can eat this but I have never rolled in herbs will have to try it. Thanks for the idea.
One of my favourite things to do with yoghurt. I love having it to hand in summer to spread on some crusty bread, with a nice selection of cold meats and salad on a platter. I like to use the greek style yoghurt for mine. Another great post Lorraine, Thankyou!!
your comments on your parents’ hoarding makes me hope they don’t go to big wharehouse supermarkets like costco – I wish I had more room to satisfy my hoarding instincts but it probably just as well I don’t
Ummmm, all of the above plus a huge hoard of kitcheny gadgets, molds and cake decorating stuff. Your spicy Labne looks yummy.
OK at first I thought you were crazy making your own cheese, but you really aren’t!
I am not a big hoarder – I tend to buy things and forget they are there so I never stock up!
eeep!
that looks so yummy!
Home made labne is a thing of beauty. However, I’ll have to be traditional and say it’s best served plain with salt, good olive oil, zaatar and fresh lebanese bread (for breakfast). I’d be interested in sampling your spiced version though – yummy!
I’ve never made my own cheese, less yogurt cheese looks formidable…here are excellent cheeses we’ve more cows than people, few people make it at home
All the best,
Gera
I’m seriously intrigued by the addition of that Tunisian spice mix to the labne; it must be so flavorful!
And I admit to hoarding the following things: 65 – 70% dark chocolate, French savory peanut puffs, and Spam – yes, Spam!
I made some Labne a few months ago…it was delicious! And the contentment it true…and guests think you’re so very tre gourmet for making your own cheese
I’ve been meaning to make labneh since I tried it at The Victoria Room. It was sooooooo good! De-lish! Nice idea to store it in oil.
My husband always tells me of the soft cheese his parents would make to sell in their store and cheesemaking at home has always so impressed me! These labne are just fantastic and mouthwatering. Yum! One day I will try!
Stash? Yes. Candy. Shoes. Handbags. Chocolate. Yes.
I have made cheese out of yogurt, but never labne (adding salt). I love what you did with the labne, that jar makes an adorable gift.
My gosh!!!! It is 2 AM in the morning and you got me craving for this! Can we be neighbors?? You make the awesomest things!!!
Ohh, love the stuff. My parents had a secret stash of stuff because of the millenium bug scare and are still trying to eat their way through it!!!
Never made labne before. Shall give this a go. now to think about herbs and spices…
I stash loads of spices. im such a spice girl
I just realised I made labne once without knowing it! It was for one of George Calombaris’ recipes.
I hoard fabric. It’s an addiction.
*drool*
and you know I have a secret stash of all the above.
Gosh, I have got the whole stack of chocolate decoration moulds which I haven’t touched in ages…
Never realized these delicious looking labne balls are so easy to make…
Sawadee from Bangkok,
Kris
I’m a terrible squirrel, I have stashes of all sorts lurking in my cupboards. Someone has offered me a load of yogurt this week and I wasn’t going to take it but I could make some of these, yippee!
I have a stash of homemade pasta sauce and preserved lemons that I made when we had oodles of our home grown tomatoes and lemons
The odd thing is, I tried making this a week ago. I bought this cheap strainer, and when the yogurt was drained, the strainer turned a funny colour, so i ended up throwing it all out just to be safe. I am going to try it again, hopefully next week. Yours came out beautifully.
Like you, I have a small house,so there is not much room for sashes… but…
I have a shoe stash, a bag stash, a goodie (chocolates) stash… you know, the important things in life
*kisses* HH
Wow, those cultural memories of hunger and deprivation don’t have to travel far do they? I’m afraid I’ve inherited my parent’s hoarding and my answer would be: All of the Above and more!
Well, that seems simple enough…I think I can do this. After all, I made my own ricotta recently and was amazed at how easy it was!
I smiled when I read about your parents…I used to save all sort of odd things in my basement or garage. But I moved into an apt. years ago and now there is no room! I am no longer considered a pack rat.
(But I do have a lot of shoes!)
A low fat option & it’s cheese!! Yay! Do you know if this would still work alright with low fat yoghurt?
..and in complete contrast to the low fat comments above, I always have a stash of chocolate… or three
Saw your post this morning – mine is now draining in my fridge as I type
I was pretty interested in having a play with Celia’s recipe too when I saw them, but now seeing yours I’m just going to have to do it,these little Labne balls sure look good.
That looks awesome!
great work ^^
Oddly – I hoard measuring cups and spoons – I keep them under the bed, away from my husband as he once threw one out with a bag of flour!
Ever since your Auburn Food Tour blog, I’ve been wanting to go there and grab some of those fabulous food bargains and then I’ll make some Labne too.
Funnily enough, I kinda hoard yoghurt. I eat a lot of it and generally have around 3 litres in the fridge at any time, just to make sure I never run out!
I wonder if you could make labne like this using low fat yoghurt?
Labne is amazing. I am a very big fan of this and often make it with my mother. Yours look absolutely lovely with the spices. As for my favourite thing to over buy and hoard…. Flour! I dont know why. I always think that i am going to run out and not be able to bake something…..
Wonderful to see you writing about yogurt cheese. Yogurt cheese (or YoChee as we call it) is a wonderful versatile ingredient you can make at home to improve your own yogurt. Ie like it so much I wrote a cookbook and guide to expand its uses. I hope you will take a look at,” Eat Well the YoChee Way” a guide and cookbook to this important food. It really increases the use of yogurt cheese to main courses, soups, sauces, desserts, and much more. (Nutritional content included). The website YoChee.com contains a free yogurt cheese how – to slide show, nutrition information and free recipes.
I don’t have a secret stash but I did get excited and bought a kilo of ricotta cheese for under $5. Needless to say the following weeks I’ve been trying to finish it all…with moderate success. Should have baked a cake with it!
I’ve a secret stash of ….eggs..okies, not so secret as whenever I go shopping I have to get at least 36-48 of them…
Labne is such a great idea, will try it soon.
Any pictures of the texture before they were coated? I’ve heard of labne a lot, and I really want to get started on making my own cheeses
Lovely recipe NQN. It reminds me of making ricotta cheese, which is also a lot simpler than it seems.
ATM I am progressively buying Vans shoes, they are so simple but so comfy and colourful
I LOOOOVVVVEEEE LAAABNEEEEEE…. IM IN LOVE WITH LABNEEEEE… LORRAINE YOU’RE JUST TOO AWESSSOMEE~!
Making this now, however, I find it too salty :-X might try less salt next time. Pictures look great
3 Trackbacks/Pingbacks
[...] made my own labne (yogurt cheese) as it is incredibly easy to do (mix a teaspoon of salt into a tub of natural yogurt and strain [...]
[...] with labne I recently read this post and stored it away in my “to do” file. And of course, I had to make felafel to [...]
[...] labneh and cucumber.24 bake at home rolls300g chicken breast meat, chopped200g smoked salmon1/2 cup labneh (yogurt cheese)1/2 cucumber, peeled and thinly slicedchives50g baby spinach leaves, washed and dried1. Bake the [...]
Post a Comment