ROASTED LEEK, ARTICHOKE & GRAPE LABNEH DIP

Directions

  1. 1Mix the salt in with the yogurt.
  2. 2Place a muslin cloth over a sieve or colander over a bowl.
  3. 3Transfer the yogurt to the muslin and tie it tightly.
  4. 4You can place a heavy pan on top to help weigh it down (will speed up the process) or place in the fridge for at least 3 hours.
  5. 5Preheat the oven to 180C.
  6. 6Slice the leeks into rounds, about 1.5cm thick.
  7. 7Wash the leeks thoroughly.
  8. 8Wash the grapes and rinse the artichokes.
  9. 9Place the leeks, grapes, and artichokes on a lined baking tray.
  10. 10Add 2 oregano leaves to the baking tray.
  11. 11Drizzle over a little balsamic vinegar and olive oil just to coat.
  12. 12Season with a generous pinch of sea salt and a pinch of fennel seeds.
  13. 13Place in the oven for about 20-25 minutes or until nicely golden brown.
  14. 14Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, add the extra virgin olive oil and heat gently.
  15. 15Finely chop the garlic.
  16. 16Peel and finely chop the lemon zest.
  17. 17Pick the rest of the oregano leaves.
  18. 18Add the garlic and lemon zest to the olive oil, turn down the heat if it starts to bubble too much.
  19. 19Cook gently and slowly and then add the oregano leaves, a pinch of salt and take it off the heat.
  20. 20Remove the labneh from the fridge.
  21. 21Season the labneh with lots of black pepper.
  22. 22Check if the labneh needs some more salt (but it should be well seasoned).
  23. 23Spread the labneh on a large serving platter.
  24. 24Top with the roasted veg and grapes.
  25. 25Drizzle over the seasoned herb oil.

Ingredients

  • 450 g Total Fage 5% yogurt (or other thick Greek yogurt 5-10% fat)
  • 1.5 tsp sea salt
  • 1 leek
  • 0.5 cup jarred artichokes (rinsed and drained)
  • 0.5 cup green grapes
  • 6 oregano sprigs
  • 1 lemon, peeled (just zest)
  • 1 large garlic clove
  • 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 pinch fennel seeds (optional)
  • Balsamic vinegar
  • Black pepper

Equipment

muslin clothsievecolanderbowlheavy pan (optional)baking traysmall saucepanserving platter