Labneh, a soft cheese created by straining yogurt, is a common food throughout the Mediterranean and the Middle East. You can use it as a spread, dip, appetizer, or dessert because of its tangy, creamy, and somewhat salty taste.
Labneh is often made using dairy yogurt, however, it may be readily made vegan by substituting a yogurt made from plants. In this post, we will discuss Vegan Labneh Balls – Vegan Labne Topları Recipe with the health benefits, cons, serving advice, and nutritional value.
Ingredients and Preparation
The following items are required to make vegan labneh balls:
- Two cups of unsweetened, vegan yogurt, ideally Greek-style but plain will do.
- A pinch of salt, no more
- Lemon juice, 2 tablespoons
- Put away some olive oil
- Optional: nuts, seeds, and dried herbs for seasoning
There are literally only a handful of things you have to do to get ready:
- Mix the salt and lemon juice into the vegan yogurt in a large bowl.
- Set a strainer or colander over a large bowl and line it with cheesecloth or a thin kitchen towel. Wrap the cloth loosely and pour the yogurt mixture inside. Refrigerate the setup for at least 24 hours, or until the consistency is just right for you. The longer it strains, the more concentrated and sour it will taste.
- Put the yogurt through a strainer into a new basin and set the liquid aside. Roll a ball out of about two tablespoons of the yogurt using your lubricated hands. Use the remaining yogurt in the same manner. Ten labneh balls ought to suffice.
- Spread the herbs, spices, nuts, or seeds out on a flat plate, then roll the labneh balls in the mixture until they are evenly covered.
- Labneh balls should be stored in a sterile glass jar with enough olive oil to cover them. To boost the flavor, try mixing in some fresh basil leaves or another herb. Refrigerate the jar for up to two weeks after carefully sealing it.
Health Benefits and Drawbacks of Vegan Labneh Balls – Vegan Labne Topları Recipe
Benifits
Because of their high protein content, they are perfect for supporting your immune system, building muscle, and keeping your metabolism running smoothly. The protein content of one labneh ball is roughly 3 grams.
They are safe for those with a dairy allergy or lactose intolerance because they do not contain any dairy or lactose. In addition, they don’t risk developing acne, inflammation, hormone imbalance, or gastrointestinal problems as a result of drinking milk or eating cheese.
Probiotics are live microorganisms that are useful to your digestive system, immune system, and mental state.
Cultured vegan yogurts, especially those made at home, contain probiotics naturally.
They are great for weight control and cardiovascular health thanks to their minimal calorie and fat content. About 30 calories and 2 grams of fat can be found in a single labneh ball.
Bone health, eye health, and skin health are all supported by the calcium and vitamin A found in abundance in these foods. Yogurts made from plants can be supplemented with calcium and vitamin A can be made from carotenoids.
Drawbacks
They contain a lot of sodium, which, if ingested in large amounts, can increase the risk of hypertension and other cardiovascular problems. Approximately 202 milligrams of sodium, or about 9 percent of the daily value, can be found in a single labneh ball.
If you purchase store-bought vegan yogurt instead of making your own, it may have additives or preservatives. Sugar and artificial sweeteners may be added to some plant-based yogurts, which can have negative effects on your blood sugar and teeth. It’s best to pick basic, unsweetened versions after carefully reading the labels.
If you use a yogurt that contains soy or nuts, it may not be safe for persons with soy or nut allergies. In that scenario, you might substitute yogurt made from oats or coconut milk.
How to Serve Vegan Labneh Balls – Vegan Labne Topları Recipe?
Vegan labneh balls are extremely adaptable and may be used in a wide variety of recipes. Some ideas are as follows:
- Use them to top pita bread, crackers, fresh vegetables, or sliced fruit.
- Combine them with lettuce, tomato, cucumber, and olives to make a filling for sandwiches, wraps, or pitas.
- Combine them with raw veggies, grains, beans, and roasted vegetables in a salad or a bowl.
- Sprinkle them over soups, stews, or pasta for a creamy and savory finish.
- Spread some honey, maple syrup, jam, or chocolate on them and eat them as a snack or dessert.
Nutritions and Vitamins
Using plain, unsweetened soy yogurt, the USDA’s FoodData Central database calculates the following nutritional value for one labneh ball (about 28 grams):
- 30 calories
- Three grams of protein
- Two grams of fat
- 3 grams of carbs
- Zero grams of fiber
- Relatively speaking, sugar is 2 grams.
- Sodium content: 202mg
- 14% of the Daily Value (DV) for calcium.
- Amounting to 6% of the Daily Value for Vitamin A
- Vitamin D: 0% DV
- The nutritional value may vary depending on the type and brand of vegan yogurt you use, as well as the herbs, spices, nuts or seeds you add for coating. If you want more specifics, you can use a nutrition calculator online or read the information provided on the packaging.
Why Choose Vegan Labneh Balls – Vegan Labne Topları Recipe?
Vegan labneh balls are a healthy and delicious alternative to traditional cheese. They are easy to make, need few ingredients, and may be adjusted to suit personal preferences.
They are suitable for those who cannot consume dairy, lactose, gluten, or animal goods. The protein, probiotics, calcium, and vitamin A content is high, but the fat and calorie content is low. They can be used in many different ways, from sandwiches and salads to spreads and dips. They provide a delicious flavor and smooth texture to anything you’re cooking.
Conclusion
Labneh is a popular vegan yogurt spread that has its roots in the Middle East and the Mediterranean. As a result of their acidic, creamy, and somewhat salty flavor, they can be used as a spread or dip, a side dish, or even a sweet treat.
Vegan yogurt, lemon juice, salt, and olive oil are all you need to mix them up at home. Coatings that include herbs, spices, nuts, and seeds make the dish more flavorful and enjoyable to eat. Vitamin A, calcium, probiotics, and protein predominate, but calorie and fat content are low.
Those who are lactose intolerant, gluten intolerant, or have a dairy allergy can eat them without worry. They go great with a variety of dishes, from dips and spreads to salads and sandwiches. Avoid passing up on these, as they are a nutritious and delicious alternative to milk-based cheese.
FAQs
1. What is vegan labneh?
Soft cheese made from strained vegan yogurt is called vegan labneh. The tangy, creamy, and somewhat salty flavor profile of this dish has made it a favorite in the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern countries. It’s so versatile that you can use it for anything from an appetizer to dessert.
2. How is vegan labneh made?
Unsweetened vegan yogurt (Greek-style is preferred), salt, lemon juice, olive oil, and optional nuts, seeds, or dried herbs are all you need to make vegan labneh. Refrigerate the yogurt for at least 24 hours after mixing in the salt and lemon juice and straining through cheesecloth. Yogurt that has been strained can be formed into balls, rolled with herbs and spices, and stored in olive oil.
3 How can I make vegan labneh balls at home?
Vegan labneh balls are made by stirring salt and lemon juice into vegan yogurt, straining the mixture through cheesecloth, chilling it, rolling it into balls, coating it in herbs and spices, and then storing it in a jar with olive oil. The recipes section has comprehensive directions.
I hope you like reading “Vegan Labneh Balls – Vegan Labne Topları Recipe.”