Dive into the rich cultural flavors of Jordan with our exquisite Labneh. This strained yogurt is renowned for its velvety texture and distinct tanginess, perfectly balanced to tantalize your taste buds. Served with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and fragrant herbs, each spoonful transports you to the heart of Middle Eastern culinary tradition. Experience the harmonious blend of creamy goodness and zesty undertones, making Jordanian Labneh a delightful addition to any table.

Ingredients:

 - 4 cups of plain full-fat yogurt

 - 1 teaspoon of salt

 - Extra virgin olive oil

 - Fresh herbs (such as thyme, mint, or oregano)

 - Optional: Za'atar spice blend for sprinkling

Instructions:

1- Place a large piece of cheesecloth or a clean kitchen towel in a colander, and set the colander over a deep bowl.

2- In a mixing bowl, combine the plain yogurt and salt. Stir well to ensure the salt is evenly distributed throughout the yogurt.

3- Pour the yogurt mixture into the cheesecloth-lined colander.

4- Gather the edges of the cheesecloth or towel and tie them together to form a pouch around the yogurt.

5- Place the bowl with the colander in the refrigerator and let the yogurt drain for at least 12 hours or overnight. The longer you let it drain, the thicker the labneh will become.

6- Once the labneh has reached your desired thickness, remove it from the refrigerator and discard any excess liquid that has drained into the bowl.

7- Transfer the labneh to a serving dish. Create a shallow well in the center of the labneh with the back of a spoon.

8- Drizzle extra virgin olive oil generously over the labneh, filling the well and covering the surface.

9- Garnish the labneh with fresh herbs, such as thyme, mint, or oregano, sprinkling them over the olive oil.

10- If desired, sprinkle a pinch of za'atar spice blend over the labneh for added flavor.

11- Serve the labneh immediately with pita bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables for dipping. Enjoy the creamy, tangy goodness of homemade Jordanian labneh!

Nutritional Values :

Here’s the nutritional breakdown and benefits for the ingredients in your yogurt-based dish:

Plain Full-Fat Yogurt (4 cups):

  - Calories: Approximately 440

  - Fat: 24 grams

  - Carbohydrates: 32 grams

  - Protein: 24 grams

Benefits: High in protein and calcium, supports bone health, and aids digestion due to probiotics. Full-fat yogurt provides healthy fats and can be more satisfying.

Salt (1 teaspoon):

  - Calories: 0

  - Fat: 0 grams

  - Carbohydrates: 0 grams

  - Protein: 0 grams

Benefits: Enhances flavor and helps with fluid balance. Important to use in moderation.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil (amount as desired):

  - Calories: Approximately 120 (per tablespoon)

  - Fat: 14 grams

  - Carbohydrates: 0 grams

  - Protein: 0 grams

Benefits: Provides healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants. Supports heart health and adds richness to dishes.

Fresh Herbs (such as thyme, mint, or oregano):

  - Calories: Approximately 5 (for 1/4 cup)

  - Fat: 0 grams

  - Carbohydrates: 1 gram

  - Protein: 0.5 grams

Benefits: Adds flavor and freshness. Provides vitamins and antioxidants that support overall health.

Za'atar Spice Blend (optional, for sprinkling):

  - Calories: Approximately 10 (for 1 teaspoon)

  - Fat: 0.5 grams

  - Carbohydrates: 2 grams

  - Protein: 0.5 grams

Benefits: Adds flavor and potential health benefits depending on its components (often includes thyme, sumac, and sesame seeds). Offers antioxidants and can aid digestion.

Please note that the nutritional values provided are approximate and can vary based on the specific brands and types of ingredients used. Additionally, the nutritional values for herbs and spices are negligible when used in small amounts as garnishes and are not included in the list above.