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Middle Eastern Style Yogurt

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Middle Eastern Style YogurtRomulo Yanes

Lebneh with Sesame and Herbs

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    1 day (includes draining yogurt)

  • Yield

    Makes about 1 2/3 cups

Ingredients

4

cups whole-milk plain yogurt

3

/4 teaspoon salt

1

1/2 tablespoons sesame seeds

3

tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1

teaspoon dried mint, crumbled

3

/4 teaspoon dried thyme, crumbled

Accompaniment: toasted pita or crackers

Need to make a substitution?

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Line a sieve with a double layer of paper towels and set over a bowl. Whisk yogurt with salt and spoon into sieve. Let drain, covered and chilled, at least 12 hours and up to 24.

    Step 2

    Meanwhile, toast sesame seeds in a dry small heavy skillet, shaking skillet occasionally, until golden, about 2 minutes. Whisk together oil, mint, and thyme in a bowl, then add toasted sesame seeds and chill, covered, up to 24 hours.

    Step 3

    Bring sesame mixture to room temperature, then drizzle it over lebneh (thickened yogurt).