tzatziki

So I hadn’t made tzatziki in probably, ohhhh, 35 years? But it got suddenly hot in Sevilla (42º) and it seemed like a nice fresh snack to have on hand. I used to always make this with plain greek yoghurt but since discovering the joy that is labneh, I decided to use that instead, though you need to plan ahead as the labneh needs a day or so in the fridge. Worth it if you have time as it gives the tzatziki a lovely creamier texture. I also prefer “half peeling” the cucumber (see pic below) as the skin can sometimes be a bit too chewy. And fresh herbs are a must. I did try a version with dried dill and… meh.

Ingredients and instructions below…
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labneh

labneh (1)

So the first (and to be honest ONLY) time I previously had labneh was on a visit to Ronda in July 2012 and stayed at a small guesthouse run by a Lebanese woman called Anahid. She prepared breakfast for us which included fresh coffee and toasted rolls, gorgeous tomatoes with basil and olive oil… and labneh! I was so taken with it that I vowed to make it some day. And well, better late than never.  🙂

The inspiration came when I recently bought a Melitta coffee cone, as I remembered it was very handy for straining yoghurt when I used to make tzatziki back in Toronto and thought it would also be perfect for making labneh. I have since heard from friends on Instagram that paper towels in a colander @panepanna or a bra cup (!!!) @sledpress work just as well as the more standard cheesecloth method, but I like my little coffee cone. Labneh is excellent sliced and served on toast, and is especially delicious with fresh tomatoes, but I’m sure you will also find other uses for it.

Ingredients & Instructions below…
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