Beef Mint Labneh Dip
Recipe Introduction
Fancy a beef mince and mint labneh concoction that’s both fancy and comforting? Honestly, you won't believe how good this is. Think Middle Eastern flavours meet the best shepherd’s pie.
Hooked Yet?
Ever wondered what happens when spiced beef meets a creamy yogurt dip? This beef mince and mint labneh recipe is exactly that, and it's absolutely banging.
It's like a party in your mouth.
A Quick Look
This dish is inspired by Middle Eastern appetizers , marrying familiar flavours with a refreshing twist. This recipe is rated easy and takes only about 35 minutes.
It gives you about 6-8 servings for everyone.
Why You'll Love This
The labneh makes it a great source of protein. It’s perfect for a casual gathering with friends. This isn't just any party dip recipe ; it’s a showstopper.
Plus, that mint labneh dip ? Oh my gosh, so refreshing. I even got my picky friend, Dave, to eat it, and he hates yogurt.
Now, let’s dive into what you'll need to get this show on the road. Trust me, it’s all super easy to find.
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Party Started!
Right, so you're thinking Beef Mince and Mint Labneh Dip . Amazing choice. It's a real crowd pleaser, perfect for those nights when you want something a bit different but still super comforting.
Think Middle Eastern appetizers with a twist. And honestly, it's way easier to make than it sounds.
Main Players: Beef & Labneh
For the beef mince, you'll need 500g (1.1 lbs) . Go for lean if you're feeling virtuous, but a bit of fat adds flavour.
Check the colour. It should be a nice bright red! You'll also need 1 medium onion finely chopped and 2 cloves of garlic .
For the labneh, 500g (approx. 2 cups) is the magic number. Get the full fat stuff! It's worth it for that creamy beef dip texture.
I swear. And don't skip the fresh mint you'll need about 4 tbsp total , divided between the beef and the labneh.
Seasoning Symphony
This is where the magic happens. A teaspoon of cumin and 1/2 tsp of coriander are key. A pinch of chilli flakes? Do it! Add as much or as little of chilli flakes, that depends of your tasting profile.
Honestly, I sometimes chuck in a tiny bit more. For a spiced beef mince recipe , the ratio is important.
A tablespoon of tomato paste gives it a lovely depth. Oh, and don't forget a good glug of olive oil.
If you're out of cumin, a tiny pinch of smoked paprika could work, but it won't be the same. Salt and pepper, as always, to taste.
Feel free to use Beef mince with yogurt sauce .
Kit Essentials: What You'll Actually Need
Don't panic, you don't need fancy gadgets. A decent sized skillet or frying pan is essential. A mixing bowl for your Mint labneh dip . And a serving dish. Simple!
If you don't have a garlic press, just mince it super finely. You could also use a fork to mash it into a paste with a little salt.
Ta-da! Now, let's get cracking on this Labneh appetizer . The Labneh recipe is super straightforward!
Level Up Your Snacking Game: Beef Mince and Mint Labneh
Right, so I was thinking, what could be better than a proper good Middle Eastern appetizer ? And then it hit me: beef mince and mint labneh ! Honestly, it's a game changer.
It's like a shepherd's pie went on holiday and decided to embrace a labneh recipe , if you get my drift.
Trust me, this beef mince and mint labneh dip is the business.
Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row
First things first, get everything ready. Chop your onion, mince your garlic, and measure out your spices. Essential mise en place ? Absolutely.
It'll save you a right old faff later. Safety wise, be careful with your knife, yeah? Nobody wants a trip to A&E mid-cooking session.
The step-by-step Lowdown
- Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a pan over medium high. Cook the onion until softened. Should take about 5 mins.
- Add 2 minced cloves of garlic and cook for 1 minute 'til fragrant. You'll smell it. Oh my gosh, the aroma is already tempting
- Chuck in 500g of beef mince and break it up. Brown it nicely. Drain off any excess fat.
- Stir in 1 tbsp of tomato paste, 1 tsp of cumin, 0.5 tsp of coriander, and 0.25 tsp of chilli flakes. Cook for 1 minute .
- Pour in 100ml of beef stock or water and simmer until thickened. This takes about 10 mins .
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, then stir in 2 tbsp of chopped mint.
- Mix 500g of labneh with 2 tbsp mint, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.
- Spread the mint labneh dip on a plate. Spoon the spiced beef mince recipe on top. Garnish with fresh mint and a drizzle of olive oil. Now, your delicious beef mince with yogurt sauce is ready to blow minds.
Pro Tips for a Cracking Dip
Don't overcook the beef! Aim for browned, not cremated. That's a classic mistake. To make-ahead, prepare the beef and labneh separately and assemble just before serving.
I like to warm the pita bread before serving this party dip recipe . It is delicious with warm pita or baguette slices, or with vegetable sticks.
This creamy beef dip would definitely be a hit!. I'm already thinking of my next girls night.
Recipe Notes for the Best Beef Mince and Mint Labneh
So, you're about to dive into this amazing beef mince and mint labneh . Honestly, you're in for a treat! But before you start, let's chat about some tips and tricks to make it absolutely perfect.
It's all about those little details.
Serving Suggestions: Let's Get Fancy
Presentation is key, innit? Spread that mint labneh dip artfully on a plate. Spoon the warm, spiced beef mince dip over it.
Garnish with fresh mint and a drizzle of olive oil. It looks amazing and tastes even better.
Serve it with warm pita bread for dipping. Think crusty baguette slices too. Veggie sticks are a shout, because crudités are always a winner.
Storage Tips: For Leftovers (If There Are Any!)
Got leftovers? Lucky you. Store the beef mince and mint labneh separately. Pop them in airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Don't fancy eating it soon? The spiced beef mince recipe freezes well. Just let it cool completely first. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Sadly, the labneh recipe doesn't freeze well - it gets a bit watery. When reheating the mince, make sure it's piping hot.
Variations: Making it Your Own
Want to spice things up a bit? For a vegetarian version, swap the beef mince for lentils. Fry up some halloumi instead! Amazing.
Use parsley if you don't have mint. Also, if you don't have access to the labneh appetizer , use a mix of strained yogurt, cream cheese and a dash of lemon.
You know? Adapt to the season and your tastes.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite
This beef mince and mint labneh dish is packed with protein. It is a good source of iron. The mint labneh dip provides calcium from the yogurt.
Remember, it's all about balance. So, enjoy it as part of a balanced diet.
Right then, off you go! I am sure this creamy beef dip will be a hit. Don't be scared to experiment.
Let me know how you get on! I hope this party dip recipe is as much of a favourite for you as it is for me!.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the beef mince and mint labneh ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare both the beef mince mixture and the mint labneh dip separately up to 2 days in advance. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge. When you're ready to serve, simply assemble the dip as instructed. It's a proper time saver, innit?
I can't find labneh anywhere. Is there a substitute I can use for this beef mince and mint labneh dip?
No worries, mate! If you're struggling to find labneh, thick Greek yogurt is your best bet. Just strain it through a cheesecloth lined sieve for a couple of hours (or even overnight) in the fridge to remove excess whey. This will give you a similar creamy, tangy texture. Think of it as your "DIY labneh" hack.
My beef mince turned out a bit dry. How can I prevent that next time when making this beef mince and mint labneh recipe?
Ah, a common problem! Make sure you don't overcook the mince. Cook it just until it's browned. Also, using a slightly higher fat percentage in your beef mince (but still aiming for lean) can help.
Finally, be careful not to reduce all the liquid in the simmering stage, you want a slightly moist mince to complement the labneh.
How long will the beef mince and mint labneh last in the fridge, and how should I store it?
Properly stored, the assembled dip will last for up to 3 days in the fridge. Keep it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. While it’s safe to eat, the mint might lose a bit of its freshness, so best enjoyed sooner rather than later. Avoid freezing, as the labneh's texture will change.
Can I add any other spices or flavors to the beef mince in this recipe?
Of course, feel free to get creative! A pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of cinnamon can add a lovely depth of flavour. Some people like a bit of heat, so a finely chopped jalapeno or a generous pinch of cayenne pepper would do the trick.
Just remember to taste as you go and adjust to your liking cooking should be a giggle, not a chore!
Is beef mince and mint labneh healthy? What are the nutritional benefits?
It can be! This dip offers a good source of protein from the beef mince and labneh, and it provides beneficial nutrients like calcium and probiotics from the yogurt. To make it even healthier, use lean beef mince, load up on fresh mint, and serve with plenty of veggies for dipping. Like everything, moderation is key!
Beef Mint Labneh Dip
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 320 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 0g |
