LABNE BALLS - HEALTHY MIDDLE-EASTERN SNACK

Also known as kefir cheese or yogurt cheese, labne is a thick, drained yogurt popular in the Middle East. When rolled into balls, as it is in this recipe, labne has a texture similar to fresh mozzarella and it’s a great alternative to part-skim mozzarella sticks when you’re snacking while remaining healthy. Look for nonfat plain Greek yogurt, which is thicker than regular yogurt; it’s sold in the dairy section of most supermarkets.

Labne Balls

Ingredients

20 oz plain, fat-free Greek-style yogurt 

1 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoon dried italian seasoning 

Extra-virgin olive oil

Instructions

Line a strainer with cheesecloth and place over a large bowl. In a small bowl, combine yogurt and salt. Spoon yogurt into the strainer. Cover lightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until thick, about 48 hours. 

You should have about 1 1⁄2 cups of drained yogurt. Discard liquid. 

Place Italian seasoning in a shallow dish. 

On a large piece of waxed paper, roll yogurt by tablespoonfuls into 3⁄4" balls. Roll balls in Italian seasoning to coat. 

Serve balls immediately or store in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to a week. 

For storage longer than a week, cover with extra-virgin olive oil, and enjoy as desired.

Makes 24 balls, 4 per serving.