Labneh balls (Labneh tabat)

Keeping notes: The balls keep for up to 2 months in the fridge. The oil will set in the fridge, so you’ll have to bring it back to room temperature before being able to remove the balls and coat them. Save the oil: it can be used again to preserve future batches of labneh.

Playing around: A clash of colours and flavours works really well as part of a larger mezzeh spread. We’ve given instructions for a combination of chilli flakes and za’atar, but all sorts of coatings work. Nigella seeds, sesame seeds, other chilli flakes (smoky Urfa or sweet Aleppo look great), sumac, chopped pistachios, for example, or a combination of crushed garlic, chopped walnuts and finely diced red chilli. Play around with size too: large balls work well as a snack or as part of a mezzeh spread; smaller balls for nibbles with drinks.