Labneh

We were told that Marcel Proust loved his madeleines, because when he would bite into one a flood of childhood memories would overtake him and he would experience bliss…

I am willing to bet that for a large majority of Lebanese expats the feeling is similar when a plate of labneh is presented to them.

INGREDIENTS

1 container of yogurt, whole or lowfat (14 oz. or more)

1 sieve, 1 coffee filter or a paper towel

Extra virgin olive oil

Salt, to taste

METHOD

Line a sieve (large enough to fit the quantity of yogurt) with either a coffee filter or a paper towel. Dump the yogurt on it and let it sit over a bowl for a few hours until the yogurt gets drained completely of its water, usually a minimum of 6 hours. The bowl can either be placed on a counter or in the fridge covered loosely with plastic wrap. It is O.K to let it sit overnight. Grab the bowl, dump the water and flip the drained yogurt, now labneh, into a pretty serving dish. With the back of a spoon, draw a circular furrow all around. Pour some extra virgin olive oil in the furrow. It is ready now! Eat with pieces of pita and also, if you wish,  fresh mint, olives, tomatoes and cucumbers, some zaatar sprinkled on top.