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Middle EasternVeg

Garlic Herb Labneh

Strained yogurt cheese with za’atar and olive oil.

10 min4 serveseasy

Garlic Herb Labneh is a classic vegetarian Middle Eastern recipe built around a handful of pantry staples. It serves 4 and comes together in roughly 10 minutes from prep to plate. It is an approachable, beginner-friendly dish — the kind of recipe you can put on the table in about 10 minutes without much fuss. The method is straightforward, with each step doing one clear job so the finished dish tastes balanced rather than busy.

The headline ingredients here are greek yogurt, garlic and za’atar. Spend a little time choosing well: fresher, more carefully-sourced versions of these will lift the whole plate, while every other element is mostly there to support them. A few sensible swaps: full-fat dairy will always behave more predictably than low-fat versions.

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Nutrition · per servingestimated

70

kcal

1g

Protein

3g

Carbs

6g

Fat

vegquickdipbreakfast

Ingredients

  • greek yogurt2 cups
  • garlic1 clove
  • za’atar2 tsp
  • olive oil3 tbsp
  • saltstaple

Method

  1. 1
    Step 1 ~3 min

    Whisk yogurt with grated garlic and salt.

  2. 2
    Step 2 ~3 min

    For thicker labneh, drain in muslin 4+ hours.

  3. 3
    Step 3 ~3 min

    Spread on a plate; dust with za’atar.

  4. 4
    Step 4 ~3 min

    Drizzle olive oil and serve with bread.

Per-step times are approximate and based on the total cook time of 10 minutes.

Pro tips & common mistakes

  • Do not rush the rise. Yeast doughs taste better and stretch more easily after a long, slow proof.
  • Taste a small spoonful just before serving and adjust salt, acid (lemon or vinegar) and heat — that final balance check is what separates a good home cook from a great one.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Garlic Herb Labneh take to cook?
From prep to plate, Garlic Herb Labneh takes about 10 minutes and yields 4 servings. About a third of that is hands-on; the rest is the cooking itself.
Is Garlic Herb Labneh vegetarian?
Yes — this version of Garlic Herb Labneh is fully vegetarian. If you want to make it vegan, swap any dairy or eggs for a plant-based equivalent of the same texture.
What are the key ingredients in Garlic Herb Labneh?
The headline ingredients are greek yogurt, garlic, za’atar. The rest of the list is supporting cast — spices, aromatics and pantry staples — that round out the flavour rather than carry it.
Can I scale this recipe up or down?
Yes. The ingredient quantities scale linearly: halve for 2 servings or double for 8. Cooking times stay roughly the same, except for anything that depends on pan surface area — if you double a stir-fry, cook it in two batches rather than crowding the pan.
How should I store the leftovers?
Let leftovers cool to room temperature, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently — low heat on the stove with a splash of water, or short bursts in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel so it does not dry out.
Can I freeze Garlic Herb Labneh?
Yes. Cool fully, portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 1 month. Defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat gently; you may need a splash of water or stock to bring the sauce back to its original consistency.
What should I serve with Garlic Herb Labneh?
Garlic Herb Labneh pairs naturally with classic middle eastern sides — a simple grain, a fresh salad, or a light pickle to cut through richness. Aim for something that contrasts the main dish in texture or temperature rather than echoing it.
What if I do not have one of the main ingredients?
Most ingredients in this recipe have sensible swaps. Match like-for-like by texture and cooking time and you will land somewhere close to the original.