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    Home » Appetizers

    January 19, 2022

    Turkish Labne

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    Labne is one of the most delicious appetizers out there, however if you’re into trying an upgraded version of this dish, you should go for Turkish labne! It’s super creamy, smooth, and can be prepared in no time!

    Loaded with different vegetables, drizzled with olive oil and garnished with sweet pomegranate, turkish labne makes a great dip and a perfect mezze spread!

    Above all, it’s a healthy dish that can be served for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, or even as a snack to enjoyed on family gatherings. You simply cannot miss on this recipe!


    Don’t Forget To Pair With Zaatar Pitas!

    Light turkish labne mixed with finely chopped vegetables then garnished with pomegranate, olive oil, crushed walnuts, and zaatar.
    Turkish labne is a great way to start the day!

    Labne makes up a huge part of my childhood. As it was my mom’s favorite snack, I always had to carry around the “almighty sandwich” -as my mom used to call it- to school. A sandwich that had labne and a bunch of other vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, some olives, and of course, a green element.

    This is why I present to you today a richer version of the known labne, a recreation that combines different vegetables along with a special touch to level things up.

    In addition to being a quick and easy dish to make, Turkish labne is also light and can easily be turned into gluten-free! It is my go to snack whenever I feel like I need a boost of flavors. I recommend you give it a try!


    Why Your Diet Needs Turkish Labne

    The thick and creamy soft cheese, AKA labne, offers a hearty dose of protein for a low number of calories. Plus, it’s a good source of probiotics which strengthen your gut heath.

    For bell peppers, what you don’t know about them is that they’re rich in many vitamins and antioxidants, some of which may be beneficial for preventing certain chronic conditions, such as heart disease and cancer.

    Besides having labne as its main ingredient alongside a variety of veggies, this recipe also incorporates bulgur wheat which is an incredibly versatile and a low calorie whole grain. Whole grains can help control blood sugar and might support a moderate weight and optimal health.


    Ways To Eat Turkish Labne

    We all love labne, let’s start here. It’s an incredibly versatile yogurt cheese that can be served as a dip for sliced veggies, warm pita, or as a spread for toasted bagels or sliced flatbread.

    Za’atar Pita

    One way of eating Turkish labne is with crispy za’atar pita, which is basically pita bread topped with a mix of toasted dried thyme leaves, sesame seeds, salt, and sumac spice, all drenched in olive oil.

    For that you first need to cut the pita chips into wedges, and you can separate the layers for thinner chips. Then, lay the chips into a baking pan and brush them with the zaatar and olive oil mix.

    For easier brushing, I suggest you let the mix be bit runny by adding an extra one or two tablespoons of oil. Finally, bake at 350°F for about 7 minutes, dip with the Turkish labne and enjoy!

    Baked Labne Bread

     Similar to garlic bread, labne bread is simply prepared by spreading Turkish labne onto sliced loaf crusty bread. This time, I recommend you drop on the bulgur, owing to the presence of a source of carbs.

    After that, and if you like your labne bread to be toasty, place the baking pan while open-faced in the oven after you preheat it to 350°F. However for the bread to stay soft, wrap it foil then bake. This will keep the bread from getting extra crispy while allowing each slice to absorb the labne mix.


    A Fun Twist On Labne

    The light texture and slightly tart taste of labne makes it a perfect match to a variety of herbs and spices. For instance, you could use plain labne to create another dip with zaatar pistachio olive mint topping.

    As exotic as it might sound, this variation requires you to combine, in a separate bowl, some chopped mint leaves, olives, salt, zaatar olive oil mix, and crushed pistachios.

    Then, scoop out some labne into a bowl then top it with few tablespoons of the mix. Sprinkle with pomegranate, serve with zaatar pitas or warm bagels, and enjoy!


    The Perfect On The Go Snack

     Light turkish labne mixed with finely chopped vegetables then garnished with pomegranate, olive oil, crushed walnuts, and zaatar.
    It’s time you try another nutritious, flavor packed version of labne!

    Top Tips

    1st Tip: Refrigerate turkish labne overnight until the bulgur grains absorb the labne and become tender.

    2nd Tip: Use salted crackers to dip in the Turkish labne if you’re not in the mood for baking your own chips.

    3rd Tip: Sprinkle some of the zaatar mix (without olive oil) over the labne for an extra kick of flavor.

    4th Tip: If you’re a fan of spice, add some chili powder into the labne or finely chop some Jalapeño Pepper.


    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is Labne?

    Labne is Middle Eastern soft cheese produced by straining yogurt to remove excess whey to form a thicker product.

    What can I use instead of bulgur?

    You can use quinoa, one of the most popular and healthiest gluten-free grains. You could also go for oats, it’ll make the labne even creamier.

    How long does turkish labne last?

    When refrigerated, turkish labne lasts up to 4 days.


    Ingredients For Turkish Labne

    • labne kefir cheese
    • bulgur – number 1
    • dried mint
    • garlic cove
    • medium cucumber
    • red pepper
    • green pepper
    • yellow pepper
    • black olives
    • green olives
    • radish
    • walnuts

    How To Make Turkish Labne

    First, in a bowl, add the chopped cucumbers, peppers, radish, olives, mint, bulgur and crushed garlic, then mix well.

    Next, fold in the labne until the ingredients are well mixed. Finally garnish with walnuts, pomegranate seeds, and a drizzle of olive oil. Enjoy with fresh pita bread, on top of zaatar pitas, or in a sandwich.


    A Common Dish Done Uncommonly Well!

    Light turkish labne mixed with finely chopped vegetables then garnished with pomegranate, olive oil, crushed walnuts, and zaatar.
    Enjoy this with your favorite kind of bread.

    Recipes You Must Try:

    • Homemade Tzatziki Sauce (Greek Yogurt and Cucumber)
    • Kale Salad With Caramelized Onions
    • Labne Spinach Pies- Fatayer
    • Greek Salad On Naan Bread
    • Rotini Crab Stuffed Portabella Mushrooms
    • Loaded Labne Toast
    • French Onion Spinach Artichoke Dip
    • Easy Fresh Guacamole Recipe
    • Roasted Chickpea Avocado Salad
    • Smooth Vegan Hummus Recipe

    Find more recipe videos and subscribe to my YouTube Channel at Tastegreatfoodie


    Turkish Labne

    Lama
    Turkish labne is a simple, nutritious, and flavor packed dish that can be served as a part of a mezze platter, a dip, or a spread.
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Recipe Comment Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Total Time 15 mins
    Course Appetizer
    Servings 6 people
    Calories 81 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 cups (16 oz) Labne Kefir Cheese
    • 1 tablespoon bulgur number 1
    • 2 tablespoon dried mint
    • 1 garlic clove crushed
    • 1 medium cucumber finely chopped
    • ½ green pepper finely chopped
    • ½ red pepper finely chopped
    • ½ yellow pepper finely chopped
    • ¼ cup black olives chopped
    • ¼ cup green olives chopped
    • 3 radish finely chopped

    Instructions
     

    • In a bowl add the chopped cucumbers, peppers, radish, olives, mint, bulgur and crushed garlic, then mix well.
    • Fold in the labne until the ingredients are well mixed. Serve with fresh pita bread, on top of zaatar pitas, or in a sandwich.
    • Garnish with crushed walnuts, pomegranate arils, and a drizzle of olive oil then enjoy!

    Video

    Notes

     
    1. Refrigerate turkish labne overnight until the bulgur grains absorb the labne and become tender.
    2. Use salted crackers to dip in the turkish labne if you’re not in the mood for baking your own chips.
    3.  Sprinkle some of the zaatar mix (without olive oil) over the labne for an extra kick of flavor.
    4. If you’re a fan of spice, add some chili powder into the labne or finely chop some Jalapeño Pepper.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 81kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 8gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 0.3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.003gCholesterol: 3mgSodium: 205mgPotassium: 253mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 507IUVitamin C: 41mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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      Recipe Rating




    1. Maya says

      January 22, 2022 at 1:15 pm

      5 stars
      Looks perfect! It’s on my menu for Sunday!!

      Reply
      • Lama says

        January 22, 2022 at 1:45 pm

        I hope you enjoy it!!

        Reply

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    I'm Lama, welcome to my blog where you will find simple and diverse recipes your entire family will enjoy. My passion for cooking began after I got married when I challenged myself to prepare Thanksgiving dinner. With the help of my mom over the phone, I was so proud it turned out successful! Today, I share my passion across many social platforms like Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest! I am honored to connect with you through the recipes I prepare! about me!

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