Indulge your taste buds with a creamy, dreamy delight that's sure to elevate your next gathering! Roasted Garlic Labneh is a Middle Eastern treasure that combines the rich, nutty flavor of roasted garlic with the tangy goodness of labneh, creating a dip that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just looking for a delicious snack, this easy recipe will have everyone asking for seconds. With just a handful of ingredients and a little patience, you can whip up this gourmet treat that will impress your family and friends. Ready to dive into this culinary adventure? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Serves: 1 cup
Ingredients
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1 head garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Olive oil for drizzling
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the top off the whole garlic head, exposing the cloves but keeping the head intact.
- Drizzle olive oil over the exposed garlic cloves, wrap the entire head loosely in aluminum foil, and place in the preheated oven. Roast for 30-35 minutes until garlic is soft and golden brown.
- While garlic is roasting, prepare the yogurt. Line a fine-mesh strainer with cheesecloth or a coffee filter, placing it over a deep bowl to catch the liquid.
- Pour the plain yogurt into the lined strainer, add salt, and mix gently. Cover and refrigerate for 12-24 hours to drain excess moisture and create a thick, creamy labneh.
- Once roasted garlic has cooled, squeeze the soft cloves from their skins into the strained yogurt. Mix thoroughly to incorporate the roasted garlic flavor.
- Transfer the roasted garlic labneh to a serving bowl. Drizzle with additional olive oil and garnish with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or za'atar if desired.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature as a dip, spread, or accompaniment to bread, vegetables, or grilled meats.
Tips
- Choose Quality Yogurt: For the best flavor and texture, opt for full-fat plain yogurt. Greek yogurt can also work if you prefer a thicker consistency.
- Roast Garlic to Perfection: Keep an eye on the garlic while it roasts. You want it to be soft and golden brown, which usually takes about 30-35 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
- Strain the Yogurt: Allowing the yogurt to strain for 12-24 hours is crucial for achieving that thick, creamy labneh. The longer you strain, the thicker it will be!
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to customize your labneh by adding spices like smoked paprika or cumin for an extra kick, or mix in other herbs for a unique twist.
- Serving Suggestions: This labneh pairs beautifully with pita bread, fresh vegetables, or as a spread on sandwiches. It can also be used as a flavorful base for grilled meats or roasted vegetables.
- Storage: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to a week, but it’s so delicious, it might not last that long!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 78kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
