Anjuli Shukla
Labneh is a creamy, tangy strained yoghurt, cherished across Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines. Thickened naturally by removing whey, it offers a rich taste that pairs beautifully with both savoury and sweet delights.
Labneh traces back to 5000–2000 BC in the Levant, a practical method to preserve yoghurt in hot climates.
Labneh provided vital protein for Bedouin tribes and became a cultural staple. Served with olive oil, herbs, or dried for travel, it remains central to Middle Eastern mezze spreads today.
Making labneh involves straining plain yoghurt in cheesecloth for 12–24 hours, removing excess whey. The result is smooth, tangy, and versatile, ready to flavour with herbs, spices, or even nuts for serving.
For Diwali, labneh can be transformed into sweet saffron-honey cups, pistachio-studded rolls, rose-flavoured labneh ladoos, spicy masala dips, or festive fruit parfaits—perfect for both traditional and contemporary celebrations.