Za'atar Spiced Labneh Cheese Balls
Za'atar Spiced Labneh Cheese Balls offer a delightful fusion of creamy, tangy yogurt transformed into a smooth cheese, infused with aromatic spices and toasted sesame seeds. Ideal as an appetizing spread for pita bread or a refreshing accompaniment to fresh vegetables, these cheese balls boast a customizable spiced coating inspired by traditional Middle Eastern za'atar. This homemade delicacy is a testament to the art of slow preparation, rewarding patience with deeply satisfying flavors and an irresistible texture.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
yogurt
2 cups (drain whey)
marjoram
1 teaspoon (none)
thyme
1/2 teaspoon (none)
paprika
1 teaspoon (none)
cumin
1/2 teaspoon (none)
sesame seeds
1/2 teaspoon (toasted)
salt
1/2-3/4 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
olive oil
for drizzling (none)
fresh mint
for garnish (chopped)
Instructions
1
Line a bowl with a white flour sack towel or multiple layers of cheese cloth.
2
Pour 2 cups of yogurt into the towel and carefully gather the cloth around it.
3
Squeeze out as much whey as possible initially, twisting the cloth tightly.
4
Secure the yogurt bundle and place it in a strainer over the bowl. Refrigerate.
5
Every 6 hours, remove the bundle, squeeze out additional whey, and return it to the strainer.
6
Repeat this process for approximately 24 hours until the yogurt reaches a cream cheese consistency.
7
In a small frying pan, toast the sesame seeds over medium heat until they are golden brown.
8
Remove the toasted seeds from heat and allow them to cool.
9
Mix marjoram, thyme, paprika, cumin, toasted sesame seeds, and salt in a shallow dish.
10
Divide the drained labneh into three equal parts and roll each into a smooth ball.
11
Thoroughly roll each cheese ball in the spice mixture, ensuring an even coating.
12
Arrange the spiced cheese balls on a serving dish, drizzle with olive oil, and garnish with fresh mint leaves for additional flavor and color.
13
Serve with your choice of pita, crackers, cucumber slices, or as a standalone snack. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Za'atar Spiced Labneh Cheese Balls?
Za'atar Spiced Labneh Cheese Balls are a Middle Eastern-inspired dish made from strained yogurt that has been transformed into a smooth, tangy cheese and coated in aromatic spices.
What are the main ingredients for this recipe?
The main ingredients include yogurt, marjoram, thyme, paprika, cumin, sesame seeds, salt, olive oil, and fresh mint.
How long does it take to prepare the labneh?
The yogurt needs to be strained for approximately 24 hours to reach a cream cheese consistency.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 6 servings.
What type of cloth is best for straining the yogurt?
A white flour sack towel or multiple layers of cheesecloth is recommended for straining the whey.
How often should I squeeze the yogurt bundle during the process?
You should remove the bundle and squeeze out additional whey every 6 hours during the 24-hour straining period.
What is the first step in making the spice coating?
The first step is to toast the sesame seeds in a small frying pan over medium heat until they are golden brown.
Which spices are used in the za'atar-style coating?
The coating is a mixture of marjoram, thyme, paprika, cumin, toasted sesame seeds, and salt.
How many cheese balls does this recipe create?
The drained labneh is divided into three equal parts and rolled into three smooth balls.
How do I serve Za'atar Spiced Labneh Cheese Balls?
Arrange the cheese balls on a dish, drizzle with olive oil, garnish with fresh mint, and serve with pita, crackers, or cucumber slices.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, these labneh cheese balls are vegetarian.
What should I do with the sesame seeds after toasting?
Remove them from the heat and allow them to cool before mixing them with the other spices.
Can I adjust the amount of salt in the recipe?
Yes, the recipe suggests using 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon of salt, adjusted to your personal taste.
Where should the yogurt be kept while it is draining?
The yogurt bundle should be placed in a strainer over a bowl and kept in the refrigerator.
What is the texture of the finished labneh?
The finished labneh should have a smooth consistency similar to cream cheese.
How is the olive oil used in this recipe?
The olive oil is used for drizzling over the finished cheese balls before serving.
What purpose does the fresh mint serve?
Chopped fresh mint is used as a garnish to add both flavor and color to the dish.
Can I serve this as a standalone snack?
Yes, it can be served as a standalone snack or as a spread.
What is za'atar?
Za'atar is a traditional Middle Eastern spice blend; this recipe uses a customizable version with marjoram, thyme, and sesame seeds.
How much yogurt is required for this recipe?
The recipe requires 2 cups of yogurt.
What categories of food does this recipe fit?
It is categorized as an appetizer, spread, and snack.
Do I need to cook the yogurt?
No, the yogurt is not cooked; it is transformed into cheese through a straining process.
How do I ensure an even coating on the cheese balls?
Thoroughly roll each cheese ball in the shallow dish containing the spice mixture.
What kind of container should I use for mixing the spices?
A shallow dish is best for mixing the spices and rolling the cheese balls.
Is the paprika preparation required?
No, the paprika does not require any special preparation before mixing.
Is the thyme preparation required?
No, the thyme is added directly to the spice mixture without preparation.
What is the goal of squeezing the cloth initially?
The goal is to squeeze out as much whey as possible at the start of the process.
Can I use this as a vegetable dip?
Yes, it is a refreshing accompaniment to fresh vegetables like cucumber slices.
What makes this a 'slow preparation' delicacy?
The 24-hour straining process requires patience but results in deeply satisfying flavors.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 9 ingredients in total for this recipe.