Welcome to a delightful culinary journey where simplicity meets elegance on a plate. Today, we are diving into a recipe that balances sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, creating a symphony for the taste buds. The star of our show is the luscious fig, a fruit with ancient roots, paired with the creamy and tangy goat’s yogurt labneh. This dish is perfect for a luxurious breakfast, a chic brunch, or a light dessert. It’s versatile, easy to prepare, and sure to impress. Whether you’re a food enthusiast looking to explore new flavors or someone who appreciates combining simple ingredients for maximum impact, this recipe is for you. Let’s embark on this gastronomic adventure and elevate your meal with Figs on Toast with Goat’s Yogurt Labneh.
Figs On Toast With Goat’s Yogurt Labneh
Ingredients:
- Four slices of artisanal bread
- Eight fresh figs, quartered
- 1 cup goat’s yogurt
- Two tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon honey, plus extra for drizzling
- One teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, plus extra for garnish
- Pinch of sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Directions:
- Begin by preparing the labneh. Line a sieve with cheesecloth and place it over a bowl. Pour the goat’s yogurt into the cheesecloth and gather the edges to enclose the yogurt. Place a weight on top and refrigerate for 4-6 hours to drain and thicken.
- Once the labneh is ready, transfer it to a mixing bowl. Stir in the lemon zest, honey, thyme leaves, a pinch of sea salt, and a grind of black pepper until well combined. Set aside at room temperature.
- Preheat your grill or broiler. Brush the slices of bread with olive oil and grill until golden and crispy, about 1-2 minutes per side.
- Spread a generous layer of the labneh mixture on each toasted bread slice to assemble.
- Top with the quartered figs, arranging them beautifully.
- Drizzle with additional honey and garnish with fresh thyme leaves.
- Finish with a light sprinkle of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the harmonious blend of flavors.
How to Prepare:
The key to this recipe is the preparation of the labneh, which is a thick and creamy strained yogurt. Ensure that you use good quality goat’s yogurt and allow it to strain for at least 4 hours. For an even more intense flavor, you can let it strain overnight. When preparing the toast, use sturdy, rustic bread that can hold the weight of the toppings without getting soggy. Artisanal sourdough or a hearty whole-grain loaf would be perfect choices.
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (excluding labneh straining time)
- Straining Time for Labneh: 4-6 hours or overnight
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes (excluding labneh straining time)
Servings: 4
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes (excluding labneh straining time)
Kcal: Approximately 290 kcal per serving
Kitchen Equipment Needed:
- Sieve
- Cheesecloth
- Bowl
- Mixing bowl
- Grill or broiler
- Pastry brush
- Knife
- Cutting board
Storing Leftovers:
If you have leftover labneh, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Toast is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store it in a breadbox or airtight container at room temperature for a couple of days. Assemble the toasts just before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Food or Drink Pairings:
This dish pairs wonderfully with a glass of chilled Prosecco or a light, crisp white wine that complements the sweetness of the figs and the tanginess of the labneh. A sparkling elderflower beverage would provide a refreshing contrast for a non-alcoholic option.
Nutrition Facts:
Calories: 290 | Total Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 13mg | Sodium: 170mg | Total Carbohydrates: 44g | Dietary Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 27g | Protein: 10g
Remember, this dish’s simplicity allows the quality of the ingredients to shine through, so choose the best you can find. Enjoy your Figs on Toast with Goat’s Yogurt Labneh, a dish that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat. Bon appétit!
