Dive into the delightful world of Middle Eastern cuisine with our Creamy Labneh with Roasted Tomatoes! This dish is not just a feast for the eyes but also a burst of flavors that will transport your taste buds to sun-drenched markets filled with aromatic spices and fresh ingredients. Imagine creamy, tangy labneh paired with sweet, caramelized cherry tomatoes, all drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with fresh herbs. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or looking for a quick yet impressive appetizer, this recipe is sure to be a showstopper. Ready to impress your guests? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup labneh
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is ideal for roasting the cherry tomatoes, allowing them to caramelize and develop a rich flavor.
- Rinse the cherry tomatoes under cold water and pat them dry with a kitchen towel. This helps to remove any dirt and ensures they roast evenly.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Toss the tomatoes gently until they are well coated with the oil and seasoning.
- Spread the seasoned cherry tomatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Make sure they are not overcrowded to ensure even roasting.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the tomatoes for about 25-30 minutes, or until they are blistered and slightly caramelized. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
- While the tomatoes are roasting, prepare the labneh. In a serving bowl, spoon 1 cup of labneh. Use the back of a spoon to create a slight well in the center of the labneh for the roasted tomatoes.
- Once the tomatoes are done roasting, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Then, carefully spoon the roasted tomatoes over the labneh, allowing some of the juices to drizzle into the well.
- If desired, garnish the dish with fresh herbs such as basil, parsley, or mint for added flavor and color.
- Serve the creamy labneh with roasted tomatoes immediately, accompanied by warm pita bread or crackers for dipping. Enjoy your flavorful Middle Eastern-inspired dish!
Tips
- Choose the Right Tomatoes: Opt for ripe cherry tomatoes for the best flavor. Their natural sweetness will enhance the dish and balance the tanginess of the labneh.
- Don’t Rush the Roasting: Allow the tomatoes to roast until they are blistered and caramelized. This step is crucial for developing their rich flavor, so be patient and keep an eye on them!
- Experiment with Seasoning: Feel free to add additional spices like garlic powder or smoked paprika to the tomatoes before roasting for an extra layer of flavor.
- Serve Fresh: For the best taste and texture, serve the dish immediately after assembling. The contrast of warm roasted tomatoes and cool labneh is simply irresistible!
- Perfect Pairings: Complement this dish with warm pita bread or crispy crackers. They make excellent vehicles for scooping up the creamy labneh and juicy tomatoes.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 20mg
