lebanesemezzeyogurtcucumbervegetarianno-cookquick

Laban wa Khiar

Name: Laban wa Khiar
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 2
Cuisine: Lebanese
Ingredients: 400 g strained yogurt; 150 g cucumber, finely diced or thinly sliced; 1 small clove (3 g) garlic, finely grated; 1 tsp dried mint; 1 tbsp (15 ml) extra virgin olive oil; 1/4 tsp fine salt; 1/8 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp (5 ml) extra virgin olive oil; 1/4 tsp dried mint

Laban wa Khiar is a cool, creamy Lebanese yogurt and cucumber dish with gentle garlic, fragrant dried mint, and a finish of olive oil. It is refreshing, light, and deeply satisfying, equally good as a dip, mezze, or simple side.

10 min

2 servings

206 kcal

Lebanese

Ingredients

Laban wa khiar

400 gstrained yogurt
150 gcucumber, finely diced or thinly sliced
1 small clove (3 g)garlic, finely grated
1 tspdried mint
1 tbsp (15 ml)extra virgin olive oil
1/4 tspfine salt
1/8 tspblack pepper

To serve

1 tsp (5 ml)extra virgin olive oil
1/4 tspdried mint

Instructions

1
Dice the cucumber finely or slice it very thinly. If it seems very watery, pat it dry with a clean towel so the laban stays thick. Grate the garlic very finely for an even flavor.
2
In a bowl, combine the strained yogurt, cucumber, garlic, dried mint, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Stir until smooth and evenly mixed. Taste and adjust salt if needed; the flavor should be cool, tangy, and lightly garlicky.
3
Transfer to a serving bowl. Drizzle the top with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with dried mint. Serve immediately, chilled if possible, as a dip, side, or accompaniment to warm bread and grilled vegetables.

Nutrition per serving

206 kcal

Calories

11g

Protein

Carbs

14g

Fat

Fiber

Notes

•For the best texture, use thick strained yogurt rather than regular yogurt; regular yogurt will make the dish looser.
•If using a large cucumber with many seeds, scrape out the wet center before chopping.
•A short 10-15 minute chill improves the flavor, but it is not required for this quick version.
•This also works well as a sauce for falafel, grilled halloumi, or roasted potatoes.

Background

Laban wa Khiar is a classic Levantine yogurt-and-cucumber preparation, especially common in Lebanese home cooking. It is closely related to similar dishes across the Eastern Mediterranean, where cultured dairy, cucumber, and dried herbs are staples used to create cooling accompaniments for warm-weather meals and grilled foods.

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