Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup labneh
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil for frying
Special equipment needed:
- Deep fryer or large pot for frying
- Wire rack for draining
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, mix together the labneh and feta cheese until well combined.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the egg and milk.
4. Place the panko breadcrumbs in a shallow dish.
5. Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, form the labneh-feta mixture into small balls.
6. Roll each ball in the flour mixture, then dip in the egg mixture, and finally coat in the panko breadcrumbs.
7. Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375°F.
8. Fry the labneh-feta balls in batches until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per batch.
9. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried cheese balls to a wire rack to drain excess oil.
10. Serve warm with labneh for dipping.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
5. Temperature:
Oil temperature: 375°F
Serving size:
Makes about 20-24 labneh-dipped fried cheese balls.
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 110
Fat: 6g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 4g
Sodium: 250mg
Sugar: 1g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Labneh can be substituted with Greek yogurt or sour cream.
- Feta cheese can be substituted with goat cheese or queso fresco.
- Panko breadcrumbs can be substituted with regular breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes.
Variations:
- Add chopped fresh herbs such as parsley, dill, or mint to the labneh-feta mixture for extra flavor.
- Stuff the labneh-feta mixture with a small piece of jalapeño or roasted red pepper before rolling into balls.
- Serve with a side of tomato sauce or honey for dipping.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying to ensure a crispy exterior.
- Use a wire rack to drain excess oil and prevent the fried cheese balls from becoming soggy.
- Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the fryer or pot.
Storage instructions:
Store leftover labneh-dipped fried cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat the fried cheese balls in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the labneh-dipped fried cheese on a platter with a bowl of labneh for dipping. Garnish with fresh herbs or a drizzle of honey.
Garnishes:
Fresh herbs such as parsley, dill, or mint.
Pairings:
- Serve with a side of pita bread or crackers.
- Pair with a crisp white wine or a cold beer.
Suggested side dishes:
- Greek salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Hummus and vegetables
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the fried cheese balls are falling apart, try chilling the mixture in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before rolling into balls.
- If the exterior is not crispy, make sure the oil is hot enough before frying.
Food safety advice:
- Use caution when working with hot oil.
- Make sure the cheese mixture is fully cooked before serving.
Food history:
Labneh is a Middle Eastern strained yogurt that has been enjoyed for centuries. Fried cheese is a popular appetizer in many cultures, including Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines.
Flavor profiles:
Salty, tangy, and crispy.
Serving suggestions:
Serve as an appetizer or snack.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: Middle Eastern