Labneh Dip with Garlic

No ratings yet
A beautifully presented bowl of pure white, creamy labneh, swirled to create little valleys for a generous pooling of golden olive oil. The aroma of fresh garlic wafts up, inviting you in. You scoop a generous dollop with warm pita bread or a crisp cucumber slice, and the first bite hits you with a burst of tangy yogurt, followed by the mellow warmth of garlic, all rounded out by the fruity olive oil. It's simple, elegant, and utterly delicious.
Labneh Dip with Garlic is a must-try, it is a delightful introduction to the fresh and vibrant flavors of Lebanese and Middle Eastern cuisine.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings
Course: Appetizer, Dip
Cuisine: Lebanese
Calories: 16
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 200 G Labneh
  • 1 Garlic Clove
  • Pinch of Salt
  • 1 to 2 Tbsp Water
  • Dry Mint for garnishing
  • Olive oil for drizzling

Equipment

  • 1 Bowl
  • 1 Mortar and pestle

Instructions
 

Prepare the Garlic Paste:
  1. In a small bowl, or using a mortar and pestle, mince the fresh garlic cloves.
    1 Garlic Clove
  2. Add a pinch of fine salt to the minced garlic. Use the back of a spoon (or pestle) to mash and grind the garlic and salt together until a smooth paste forms. This step helps to mellow the raw garlic flavor and fully release its aroma.
    Pinch of Salt
Combine with Labneh:
  1. Add the prepared garlic paste directly to the labneh in a mixing bowl.
    200 G Labneh
  2. Using a spoon or spatula, mix well until the garlic is evenly distributed throughout the labneh.
Adjust Consistency and Seasoning:
  1. The labneh's thickness can vary. If you prefer a slightly looser, creamier dip, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of cold water, mixing it in one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
    1 to 2 Tbsp Water
  2. Taste the labneh dip and adjust the salt as needed. Remember, the initial salt was just to help mince the garlic.
Transfer to a Serving Plate:
  1. Transfer the prepared labneh dip to a shallow serving plate or bowl.
  2. Using the back of a spoon, create an attractive swirl or well in the center of the labneh.
Garnish and Serve:
  1. Generously drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the top of the labneh, especially in the well you created.
    Olive oil for drizzling
  2. Garnish with a sprinkle of dried mint, or other optional garnishes like fresh mint leaves, paprika, sumac, or za'atar for added flavor and visual appeal.
    Dry Mint for garnishing

Nutrition

Calories: 16kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 3gFat: 0.1gSaturated Fat: 0.03gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.004gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.01gTrans Fat: 0.001gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 9mgPotassium: 37mgFiber: 0.01gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 1IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 28mgIron: 0.02mg

Notes

Serving suggestions: 

Enjoy this tasty dip with a piece of warm pita bread, crackers, or some vegetables such as cucumber, tomatoes and lettuce.
 

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!