Creamy Pistachio Mint Labneh Delight
Indulge in the refreshing and nutty flavors of our Creamy Pistachio Mint Labneh Delight, perfect for summer gatherings. This vibrant dip combines the creamy richness of labneh with the crunch of pistachios and the aromatic freshness of mint and dill, creating a delightful spread that pairs wonderfully with pita, crackers, or fresh veggies. Simple to prepare, this dish brings a burst of flavor that will elevate any appetizer table. Ideal for picnics, barbecues, or casual soirées, share this irresistible dip with friends and family for an unforgettable taste experience!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
raw pistachios
1 cup (for puréeing)
raw pistachios
2 tablespoons (for garnish)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
extra virgin olive oil
1/3 cup
kosher salt
to taste
freshly ground green peppercorn
3/4 teaspoon
fresh mint
1 cup (chopped, plus more whole leaves for garnish)
fresh dill sprig
1/4 cup
labneh
16 ounces
fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon
lemon zest
1 teaspoon
dill sprigs
for serving
Instructions
1
Begin by placing 1 cup of raw pistachios in a food processor. Pulse until a thick paste forms, scrapping down the sides as needed to ensure even blending.
2
Add the garlic cloves, extra virgin olive oil, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, freshly ground peppercorns, chopped fresh mint, and fresh dill into the pistachio paste. Purée the mixture until the mint is finely chopped and the blend achieves a smooth, thick consistency.
3
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the labneh, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt until well combined and creamy.
4
Gently fold the pistachio mixture into the labneh, taking care to keep the mixture marbled for a visually appealing presentation.
5
Transfer the dip to a serving dish, then top with the remaining raw pistachios, whole mint leaves, and sprigs of dill for garnish.
6
Serve immediately with pita bread, crackers, or fresh vegetable sticks, or refrigerate for a couple of hours to let the flavors meld together.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Pistachio Mint Labneh Delight?
It is a refreshing and nutty dip that combines creamy labneh with pistachios, fresh mint, and dill, perfect for summer gatherings.
What are the primary ingredients for this recipe?
The main ingredients include labneh, raw pistachios, garlic, extra virgin olive oil, fresh mint, fresh dill, and lemon.
How do I prepare the pistachios for the base?
You should place 1 cup of raw pistachios in a food processor and pulse until a thick paste forms, scraping the sides as needed.
Can I use roasted pistachios instead of raw?
While the recipe calls for raw pistachios for a specific flavor and texture, you can use roasted ones if you prefer a more toasted nut flavor.
What is labneh?
Labneh is a thick, creamy, and tangy strained yogurt common in Middle Eastern cuisine.
Is this Creamy Pistachio Mint Labneh Delight vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is entirely vegetarian as it contains no meat products.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe requires 2 minced garlic cloves to be blended into the pistachio paste.
What type of olive oil should I use?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for the best flavor and smooth consistency.
What kind of peppercorns are used in this recipe?
The recipe specifies 3/4 teaspoon of freshly ground green peppercorns.
How much mint is used in the pistachio mixture?
One cup of chopped fresh mint is puréed with the pistachio paste, with additional leaves used for garnish.
What is the role of lemon juice in the dip?
One tablespoon of fresh lemon juice is whisked with the labneh to add brightness and acidity.
How much dill is needed for the pistachio paste?
You need 1/4 cup of fresh dill sprigs to blend into the nut mixture.
Is there any cooking involved in this recipe?
No, this is a no-cook recipe that relies on a food processor and whisking.
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes, you can refrigerate it for a couple of hours before serving to let the flavors meld together.
How do I achieve the marbled look?
To get the marbled effect, gently fold the pistachio mixture into the whisked labneh rather than fully mixing them.
What should I serve with this labneh dip?
It pairs wonderfully with pita bread, crackers, or fresh vegetable sticks.
Is a food processor necessary?
A food processor is needed to turn the raw pistachios into a thick paste and to finely chop the herbs into the mixture.
How much labneh is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 16 ounces of labneh.
What garnishes are suggested for this dish?
Garnish the dip with 2 tablespoons of raw pistachios, whole mint leaves, and additional dill sprigs.
How much salt is added to the recipe?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of kosher salt in the pistachio mixture and another 1/2 teaspoon in the labneh mixture, plus more to taste.
What is the consistency of the pistachio mixture?
The mixture should be puréed until it reaches a smooth, thick consistency with finely chopped herbs.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of labneh?
You can use thick Greek yogurt as a substitute, though labneh is generally thicker and tangier.
Is this recipe suitable for summer gatherings?
Yes, its refreshing flavor profile makes it ideal for picnics, barbecues, or summer soirées.
Does the recipe use lemon zest?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of lemon zest is added to the labneh for extra citrus aroma.
Is this dip gluten-free?
The dip itself is naturally gluten-free; just ensure you serve it with gluten-free crackers or veggies.
Can I use dried mint instead of fresh mint?
Fresh mint is highly recommended for this recipe to achieve the bright, aromatic profile described.
What color are green peppercorns?
Green peppercorns are the unripe berries of the pepper vine and have a milder, fresher taste than black peppercorns.
How do I prepare the garlic?
The garlic should be minced before being added to the food processor with the pistachio paste.
Is this recipe easy for beginners?
Yes, it is considered an easy recipe with simple steps involving blending and whisking.
How many steps are in the instructions?
The recipe consists of 6 easy-to-follow steps.