Laban Cheese Balls Recipe - A Nutty Arabian Dessert with Yogurt and Olive Oil

Laban Cheese Balls

Laban Cheese Balls Recipe - A Nutty Arabian Dessert with Yogurt and Olive Oil
Region / culture: Arabia | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 1-2 days | Servings: 10

Introduction

Laban Cheese Balls
Laban Cheese Balls

Laban Cheese Balls are a delicious and tangy Middle Eastern treat that are perfect for snacking or adding to salads. These cheese balls are made from strained yogurt, giving them a creamy texture and a slightly sour flavor.

History

Laban Cheese Balls have been a popular snack in Middle Eastern cuisine for centuries. The process of straining yogurt to make a thicker, cheese-like product has been a traditional method of preserving dairy in the region for generations.

Ingredients

How to prepare

  1. Mix the salt into the yogurt and strain the mixture through cheesecloth.
  2. Tie the cheesecloth into a bundle and hang it over a sink for a day or two to allow moisture to drain out.
  3. Refrigerate the Laban Cheese until it dries out, then roll it into small balls and store them in a jar of olive oil.

Variations

  • Add herbs or spices to the Laban Cheese mixture before rolling it into balls for extra flavor.
  • Use different types of yogurt, such as Greek yogurt, for a slightly different texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use a thick, natural yogurt for this recipe to ensure that the Laban Cheese has the right consistency.

- Straining the yogurt through cheesecloth is essential for removing excess moisture and creating a firm cheese.

- Rolling the cheese into small balls before storing them in olive oil helps to preserve the cheese and infuse it with flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Laban Cheese Balls as a snack on their own, or add them to salads for a creamy and tangy twist.

Cooking Techniques

Straining the yogurt through cheesecloth is the key technique for making Laban Cheese Balls.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can't find thick natural yogurt, you can use Greek yogurt as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

Laban Cheese Balls can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Laban Cheese Balls in a small bowl drizzled with olive oil for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Laban Cheese Balls pair well with fresh vegetables, olives, and pita bread.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Laban Cheese Balls in a jar of olive oil in the refrigerator. They can be served cold or at room temperature.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Laban Cheese Balls contains approximately 80 calories.

Carbohydrates

Laban Cheese Balls are low in carbohydrates, making them a great option for those following a low-carb diet.

Fats

Laban Cheese Balls are a good source of healthy fats, particularly from the olive oil used to store them.

Proteins

Laban Cheese Balls are a good source of protein, which is important for muscle growth and repair.

Vitamins and minerals

Laban Cheese Balls contain calcium, which is essential for strong bones and teeth.

Alergens

Laban Cheese Balls contain dairy and may not be suitable for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.

Summary

Laban Cheese Balls are a nutritious snack that are high in protein and healthy fats, making them a great addition to a balanced diet.

Summary

Laban Cheese Balls are a delicious and nutritious snack that are easy to make at home. With their creamy texture and tangy flavor, they are sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen.

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for Laban Cheese Balls. It was a warm summer day, and I was rummaging through my old recipe box, searching for inspiration for a new dish to try. As I sorted through the faded index cards and stained pieces of paper, I came across a small, yellowed slip of paper tucked in between two well-worn recipes for apple pie and chocolate chip cookies.

Intrigued, I carefully unfolded the paper and read the scrawled handwriting on it. The recipe was for Laban Cheese Balls, a dish I had never heard of before. The ingredients were simple - laban, or yogurt, grated cheese, breadcrumbs, and a few spices. The instructions were straightforward, but the end result promised to be a delicious and unique appetizer.

I set to work gathering the ingredients, my curiosity piqued by the prospect of trying something new. I remembered my own grandmother, a skilled cook who had passed down many recipes to me over the years. She had a knack for combining unexpected flavors and creating dishes that were both comforting and satisfying.

As I mixed the laban and grated cheese together, I thought of my grandmother's kitchen, filled with the aromas of simmering stews and freshly baked bread. She had taught me the importance of using fresh, high-quality ingredients and taking the time to savor the process of cooking.

I shaped the mixture into small balls, rolling them in breadcrumbs and spices before placing them on a baking sheet. The kitchen was filled with the savory scent of cheese and spices, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished dish.

As the Laban Cheese Balls baked in the oven, I thought back to the many recipes my grandmother had taught me over the years. From her famous lasagna to her decadent chocolate cake, each dish held a special place in my heart and brought back memories of time spent together in the kitchen.

When the timer finally dinged, I eagerly pulled the golden-brown Laban Cheese Balls out of the oven. Their aroma was irresistible, and I couldn't wait to taste one. I popped a warm cheese ball into my mouth and savored the creamy texture and rich flavor.

As I enjoyed my creation, I thought of my grandmother and how she had passed down her love of cooking to me. Her recipes were not just a collection of ingredients and instructions, but a way to connect with the past and create new memories in the present.

I knew that the Laban Cheese Balls would become a new favorite in my repertoire, a dish that would remind me of my grandmother's kitchen and the joy of exploring new flavors and techniques. And as I shared the recipe with friends and family, I knew that I was passing on a piece of my own culinary heritage, just as my grandmother had done for me.

In that moment, surrounded by the warmth and aroma of the kitchen, I felt grateful for the gift of cooking and the memories it brought with it. And as I took another bite of the delicious Laban Cheese Balls, I knew that my grandmother's spirit lived on in every dish I created.

Categories

| Arabian Recipes | Arabian Snacks | Cheese Ball Recipes | Cheese Recipes | Yogurt Recipes |

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