Try this labneh recipe instead of regular cream cheese
Homemade labneh recipe combines taste with digestive health benefits
Gastroenterologist Dr Joseph Salhab has shared a recipe for high-protein, probiotic-rich cream cheese that can be made at home, offering a healthier alternative to store-bought spreads.
Dr Salhab shared the recipe on Instagram on Saturday, describing the dish as labneh, a strained yoghurt cheese that delivers the creaminess of cream cheese while being more nutritious. "If you love cream cheese but want a higher-protein option, try making labneh at home," he said in the video.
What is labneh?
According to Dr Salhab, labneh is a strained yoghurt cheese that is thick, creamy and naturally high in protein. It also contains probiotics, provided the yoghurt used has live cultures.
Ingredients
- 2 cups full-fat plain yoghurt or Greek yoghurt (Greek yoghurt will have a tangier flavour)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Method
- Step 1: Mix the yoghurt with salt and lemon juice.
- Step 2: Line a strainer with cheesecloth, pour in the yoghurt mixture, cover the mixture, and place a bowl on top of it.
- Step 3: Refrigerate overnight, or for 12 to 24 hours, allowing the excess liquid to drain away.
- Step 4: The next day, a thick, creamy, spreadable cheese that's naturally high in protein will be ready.
- Step 5: Spread it on sourdough toast, bagels, crackers, sandwiches, wraps, or use it as a dip for vegetables.
Serving suggestions and health benefits
Dr Salhab shared that the cream cheese pairs well with tomatoes, cucumbers, herbs, olive oil, everything bagel seasoning, smoked salmon, roasted vegetables, fruit, or a drizzle of honey.
He explained that because labneh is made from yoghurt, it provides protein, calcium, and, when made from yoghurt containing live cultures, probiotics that can help support gut and digestive health.
"Straining the yoghurt concentrates the protein while creating that rich, cream cheese-like texture. Simple ingredients. High protein. Probiotic-rich. Creamy. Easy to make. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, meal prep, or healthy appetisers," he added.
