A vivid magenta beetroot labneh swirled in a bowl, topped with dill fronds, walnuts and olive oil

Beetroot Labneh with Dill and Toasted Walnuts

A shockingly pink, tangy dip made from strained yoghurt and sweet roasted beetroot. Labneh is easier than it sounds, since it simply requires a muslin cloth and a little patience.

  • Serves 6
  • Prep: 20 min
  • Straining: 12–24 hrs
  • Cook: No cooking
  • Easy
  • Vegetarian
  • Contains nuts

Method

  1. Stir the salt into the yoghurt. Line a sieve with a double layer of muslin or a clean tea towel, set it over a bowl, and spoon the yoghurt in. Gather up the edges, tie and leave in the fridge for 12–24 hours until thick like soft cream cheese.

  2. Grate or blitz the beetroot to a fine purée in a food processor.

  3. Mix the strained labneh with the beetroot, garlic, lemon juice and olive oil until you have a vivid, smooth dip. Taste and add salt if needed.

  4. Swirl onto a plate or bowl. Scatter with walnuts, dill and a little za’atar, and finish with a good drizzle of olive oil.

Serving ideas

Superb on a mezze table with warm flatbread, or dolloped beneath roasted lamb, salmon or grilled aubergine.

•Variations

Make it yours

01

Quick version

Short on time? Use ready-made labneh or extra-thick Greek yoghurt and mix it directly with the beetroot. The result will be slightly softer.

02

Spiced

Add ½ tsp ground cumin and a pinch of chilli flakes.

03

Nut swap

Use pistachios or toasted pumpkin seeds.

Cook it with us

The Mezze Table

A whole table of dips, breads, salads and little hot things — built together, eaten together. 2.5 hrs, from £85 per person.

See the workshop