If you love classic labneh, you’ll love it even more when it’s made with Lifeway Kefir. That’s because when this Middle Eastern soft cheese is made with Lifeway instead of the traditional Greek yogurt, it’s creamier and has more probiotics. Our recipe blends the labneh with lemon zest, basil, and mint and spreads it across a slice of perfectly toasted sourdough. We top it with curled cucumbers, olive oil, dill, and a light sprinkle of red chili flakes. We’re featuring this dish for Toast Tuesday, but it’s really a treat on any day of the week.
Cultured Dairy: The Nutrition Benefits You Actually Need to Know
With increasing research linking the correlation between probiotics, gut health, and immunity, it’s no secret that the integrity of our gut is vital to our health. Although additional factors such as stress, antibiotic usage, and individual health conditions can contribute to the condition of our gut, a focus on healthy food choices is one of the easiest ways to support the microbiome.
Several studies have shown a strong association between the gut-brain-microbiota. Probiotics introduced to the gut have been found to support immunity, improve allergies, and improve digestion.
Studies have shown that reduced diversity of healthy gut bacteria during early years is associated with an increase in food allergies during school-age years. In addition, kefir made from whole milk helps absorb key nutrients such as Vitamins A, D, E, and K. Vitamin K is important because it helps your bones absorb calcium. It’s important to know that kefir contains a special trio: vitamin D, K, and calcium – all three crucial elements to support bone health.
Prebiotics + Probiotics = A Healthier You
Prebiotics are non-living, non-digestible carbohydrates naturally found in a variety of fiber-rich plant foods. Your body actually can’t digest prebiotics, so they’re what probiotics feed off of to remain actively working in your digestive system. They help the digestive system by promoting the growth of good bacteria. Prebiotics and probiotics work together in balance to make sure our digestive system stays on track and regular. Research has found that consuming a variety of prebiotic and probiotic food sources may improve your body’s natural functions, including both your immune and digestive systems.
Prep Time: 24 hours Servings: 2-4Ingredients
- FOR LABNEH:
- 3 cups Organic Plain Whole Milk Kefir
- 1 1/2 tsp sea salt
- For Toast:
- 1 Lemon, zested and juiced
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh mint, minced
- 2 medium cucumbers, shaved
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1-2 slices of sourdough toast, we used gluten free
- dill and red chili flakes for garnish
Directions
- FOR LABNEH:
- Line a fine-mesh sieve with three layers of damp cheesecloth and set it over a large bowl. Mix the kefir and salt and pour it into the lined sieve. Allow it to drain for 24 hours in the refrigerator (or on a cool countertop). Transfer the drained labneh to a mason jar and store in the refrigerator.
- For Toast:
- Toast sourdough bread.
- Mix together lemon juice, lemon zest, basil and mint with the Labneh.
- Top toast with labneh mixture, cucumbers, olive oil, dill and red chili flakes.
