Greek yogurt is all the rage right now, and it’s no wonder why. In addition to being higher in protein and lower in carbs than regular yogurt, Greek yogurt is also thicker and creamier than your basic Yoplait variety.
I’m actually not a big fan of store-bought Greek yogurt (or any store-bought yogurt, for that matter), but I do love the Lebanese yogurt called “Lebni.”
Lebni is even richer and creamier than Greek yogurt, with a consistency more like sour cream. But unlike sour cream, Lebni is made with live cultures, which means that it contains all the healthy probiotics—or “friendly bacteria”—that you hear so much about these days. And, the taste of Lebni is less bitter than sour cream, so overall it has a wonderfully smooth and balanced flavor.
Wondering how you might serve it? Here are some ideas:
- Serve Lebni as a dip with pita chips, crackers, or veggies. Serve the Lebni plain, or add chopped fresh herbs and scallions.
- Serve Lebni as an accompaniment with foods that are strongly seasoned with spices or garlic—dishes you would find on an Indian, Lebanese, or Moroccan menu.
- Enjoy Lebni as a snack by spreading on pita bread. Top with a sprinkle of Kosher salt (for savory) or local honey (for sweet).
- Spoon Lebni into smoothies in place of regular yogurt. Expect a creamier texture and wonderfully rich flavor!
- Use a dollop of Lebni anywhere you would use sour cream—as a topping for a variety of foods like baked potatoes, baked sweet potatoes, or Mexican dishes, or in sauces, baked goods, soups, and dips.
Now, what about where to find it? Look for a Mediterranean market in your neighborhood. In Austin, I love Phoenicia Bakery. Be sure to pick up some fresh pita bread and imported tahini while you’re there!
Looking for good Lebanese yogurt for my girl. Please advise if you have. Thanks
I add milk to lebini and then use it like greek yoghurt, add honey and eat it as dessert, add cucumbers and it’s raita.