Best 7 Israeli Yogurt Cheese With Pita And Olives Recipes

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Explore the flavors of the Mediterranean with this tantalizing recipe for Israeli yogurt cheese with pita and olives. Combining the creamy richness of yogurt cheese, the warm aroma of pita bread, and the tangy brine of olives, this dish is a delightful symphony of textures and tastes. Whether you're seeking a light and refreshing lunch or a satisfying snack, this culinary gem is sure to captivate your taste buds and leave you craving more.

Here are our top 7 tried and tested recipes!

CHICKEN PITA AND YOGURT CASSEROLE



Chicken Pita and Yogurt Casserole image

A zesty chicken pita and yogurt casserole, that does not require baking in the oven. A refreshing main dish for warm days.

Provided by Allrecipes Member

Categories     Chicken Breasts

Time 35m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 bone-in chicken breast halves, skinless
2 (8 ounce) containers plain yogurt
3 cloves garlic, minced
salt to taste
3 pita bread rounds
1 (15.5 ounce) can canned chickpeas, drained
½ cup pine nuts

Steps:

  • Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken, and cook on each side until browned. Reduce heat to medium, cover skillet, and cook until chicken is no longer pink, and the juices run clear, about 10 more minutes. Remove from skillet, cool slightly, and slice into strips.
  • In a small bowl, stir together the yogurt and garlic. Season with salt to taste. Tear pita breads into pieces, and place in a 9x13 inch baking dish. Place chicken strips in a layer over the bread. Cover with the yogurt mixture. Sprinkle chickpeas and pine nuts over the top. Let stand for about 10 minutes to blend flavors, then serve. No need to heat up.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 488.3 calories, Carbohydrate 61.1 g, Cholesterol 23.9 mg, Fat 16 g, Fiber 6.6 g, Protein 26.5 g, SaturatedFat 3.3 g, Sodium 669.9 mg, Sugar 9.1 g

LEBANESE YOGURT CHEESE WITH ZA'ATAR AND OLIVES



Lebanese Yogurt Cheese with Za'Atar and Olives image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     appetizer

Yield Serves 6

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 quart goat's-milk yogurt
Kosher or sea salt
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Za'atar herb blend
24 Kalamata olives
1 bunch small radishes, trimmed
Pita bread, cut into wedges, warmed

Steps:

  • Line a sieve with cheesecloth. If the cheesecloth is loosely woven (most supermarket brands are), use a triple thickness. Pour the yogurt into the sieve, then gather the edges of the cheesecloth and tie into a bag. Hang the bag over the sink or over a bowl to catch the drippings. Let drain for 8 hours.
  • Turn the soft, creamy cheese out onto a platter. Season the surface with salt to taste, drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle generously with za'atar. Surround the cheese with the olives and radishes. Serve with the warm pita bread wedges.

ISRAELI YOGURT "CHEESE" WITH PITA AND OLIVES



Israeli Yogurt

Categories     Dairy     Herb     Appetizer     No-Cook     Vegetarian     Yogurt     Bon Appétit     Pescatarian     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free     No Sugar Added     Kosher

Yield Makes about 2 cups

Number Of Ingredients 10

Cheesecloth
4 cups plain yogurt (do not use low-fat or nonfat)
1 teaspoon sesame seeds
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon dried summer savory
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground cumin
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Toasted pita bread triangles
Assorted olives

Steps:

  • Set strainer over large bowl. Line strainer with 4 layers of cheesecloth, allowing 4 inches to extend over sides of strainer (do not let strainer touch bottom of bowl). Spoon yogurt into strainer. Gather cheesecloth together; fold over yogurt. Refrigerate at least 8 hours or overnight (liquid will drain out and yogurt will thicken).
  • Combine sesame seeds, salt, summer savory, cayenne and cumin in small bowl. Open cheesecloth at top. Using rubber spatula, transfer drained yogurt to bowl. Drizzle olive oil over. Sprinkle with sesame seed mixture. Place bowl in center of platter; surround with pita bread triangles and olives.
  • Broil tomatoes until skins begin to split and blacken in spots, turning occasionally, about 4 minutes. Cool. Peel tomatoes. Cut into wedges. Arrange peppers, tomatoes and eggs on platter. Sprinkle with tuna and capers. Mix oil and lemon juice in small bowl. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Drizzle dressing over salad.

ROUND 2 RECIPE - PITA PILE ON WITH SPICY YOGURT SAUCE



Round 2 Recipe - Pita Pile On with Spicy Yogurt Sauce image

Provided by Sandra Lee

Time 10m

Yield 2 servings

Number Of Ingredients 48

1/2 cup plain yogurt
1 teaspoon hot sauce
1 teaspoon chopped fresh mint
Salt and freshly ground pepper
Salt and freshly ground pepper
1/2 cup plain yogurt
1 teaspoon hot sauce
1 teaspoon chopped fresh mint
Salt and freshly ground pepper
Salt and freshly ground pepper
Reserved 2 chicken thighs from Spanish Chicken, meat removed from bone and shredded, recipe follows
Reserved 1 cup vegetables from Spanish Chicken
2 pita bread rounds
3 romaine lettuce leaves, coarsely chopped
Reserved 2 chicken thighs from Spanish Chicken, meat removed from bone and shredded, recipe follows
Reserved 1 cup vegetables from Spanish Chicken
2 pita bread rounds
3 romaine lettuce leaves, coarsely chopped
3 tablespoons flour
2 tablespoons paprika
1 tablespoon garlic powder
Salt and freshly ground pepper
6 chicken thighs (about 1 1/2 pounds)
1/4 cup canola oil
One 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes
2 green bell peppers, diced into 2-inch pieces
1 onion, sliced into thick pieces
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup rice
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Zest and juice from 1 lemon
1/2 cup pitted green olives (with pimientos)
3 tablespoons flour
2 tablespoons paprika
1 tablespoon garlic powder
Salt and freshly ground pepper
6 chicken thighs (about 1 1/2 pounds)
1/4 cup canola oil
One 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes
2 green bell peppers, diced into 2-inch pieces
1 onion, sliced into thick pieces
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup rice
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Zest and juice from 1 lemon
1/2 cup pitted green olives (with pimientos)

Steps:

  • For the spicy yogurt sauce: In a small bowl, stir the yogurt together with the hot sauce and mint. Season with salt and pepper and set aside. For the pita: In a small pot over low heat, combine the reserved chicken and vegetables and cook until warmed through. Place the pitas on 2 plates. Top each with the chicken and vegetables, the chopped romaine and then drizzle with the spicy yogurt.
  • For the spicy yogurt sauce: In a small bowl, stir the yogurt together with the hot sauce and mint. Season with salt and pepper and set aside. For the pita: In a small pot over low heat, combine the reserved chicken and vegetables and cook until warmed through. Place the pitas on 2 plates. Top each with the chicken and vegetables, the chopped romaine and then drizzle with the spicy yogurt.
  • In a large zip-top bag, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder and some salt and pepper. Add the chicken and toss to coat completely.
  • In a large saucepan over medium heat, heat the canola oil. Add the chicken and brown on all sides, 3 to 4 minutes per side. While the chicken is cooking, to a slow cooker add the tomatoes, peppers and onions. Top with the chicken thighs.
  • In same skillet used to brown the chicken, add the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, stirring to scrape any browned bits off the bottom of the pan. Pour over top of the chicken in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4 hours, or until the chicken is extremely tender.
  • In a medium pot, combine 2 cups water, the rice, red pepper flakes, lemon zest, juice of half the lemon and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer and cook, covered, until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.
  • To serve, spoon the rice onto a deep-sided platter and ladle the Spanish chicken and vegetables over top. Garnish with the olives and squeeze over the remaining lemon juice.
  • In a large zip-top bag, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder and some salt and pepper. Add the chicken and toss to coat completely.
  • In a large saucepan over medium heat, heat the canola oil. Add the chicken and brown on all sides, 3 to 4 minutes per side. While the chicken is cooking, to a slow cooker add the tomatoes, peppers and onions. Top with the chicken thighs.
  • In same skillet used to brown the chicken, add the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, stirring to scrape any browned bits off the bottom of the pan. Pour over top of the chicken in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4 hours, or until the chicken is extremely tender.
  • In a medium pot, combine 2 cups water, the rice, red pepper flakes, lemon zest, juice of half the lemon and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer and cook, covered, until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.
  • To serve, spoon the rice onto a deep-sided platter and ladle the Spanish chicken and vegetables over top. Garnish with the olives and squeeze over the remaining lemon juice.

YOGURT CHEESE WITH OLIVES, CAPERS AND PISTACHIOS



Yogurt Cheese With Olives, Capers and Pistachios image

This recipe includes instructions for making homemade yogurt cheese. You could also substitute sour cream in place of the yogurt or make is simpler still and use store-bought cream cheese or goat cheese. If using store-bought cheese skip step 1. This recipe is adapted from "The Essential Book of Jewish Festival Cooking" by Phyllis Glazer with Miriyam Glazer. Serve with bread, crostini, or vegetable sticks. Preparation time does not include making the yogurt cheese (overnight).

Provided by threeovens

Categories     Spreads

Time 10m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

3 cups yogurt or 1 1/2 cups cream cheese
6 green olives, pitted and chopped
6 black olives, pitted and chopped
1 tablespoon pistachio nut, toasted and chopped (plus extra for garnish)
1 tablespoon flat leaf parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
1 tablespoon capers, coarsely chopped
coarsely ground fresh black pepper (optional)

Steps:

  • To make yogurt cheese: Use a large metal strainer and line with some dampened cheesecloth; spoon in about 2 cups of yogurt.
  • Gather up the ends of the cheesecloth and squeeze to extract as much liquid as you can out of the yogurt.
  • Untwist the cheeseclcoth and place the yogurt, cheesecloth and strainer over a large bowl to continue draining, in the refrigerator, overnight until it is the consistency of cream cheese.
  • Combine the yogurt cheese, green and black olives, pistachio nuts, parsley and capers; spread in a shallow bowl or plate.
  • Season with coarsely ground black pepper, if desired.
  • Garnish the center with chopped pistachio nuts and ring the outside with chopped parsley.
  • Serve with bread, crostini, or vegetable sticks.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 137, Fat 8.2, SaturatedFat 4.1, Cholesterol 23.9, Sodium 260.3, Carbohydrate 9.8, Fiber 0.6, Sugar 8.8, Protein 6.9

BEEF PITAS WITH YOGURT SAUCE



Beef Pitas with Yogurt Sauce image

I've always wanted to tour the Mediterranean, but this is as close as I'll get...for now. Top these gyros with a yogurt sauce that doubles as a dip for pita chips. -Daniel Anderson, Kenosha, Wisconsin

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 cup fat-free plain yogurt
1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
1 garlic clove, minced
1/8 teaspoon plus 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
1 pound beef top sirloin steak, cut into thin strips
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary
1/4 teaspoon pepper
4 teaspoons olive oil, divided
1 large sweet onion, sliced
4 whole pita breads, warmed

Steps:

  • In a small bowl, mix yogurt, parsley, garlic and 1/8 teaspoon salt. Toss beef with herbs, pepper and remaining salt., In a large cast-iron or other heavy skillet, heat 2 teaspoons oil over medium-high heat. Add onion; cook and stir until tender, 4-6 minutes. Remove from pan., In same skillet, heat remaining oil over medium-high heat. Add beef; cook and stir until no longer pink, 2-3 minutes. Serve on pitas; top with onion and sauce.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 405 calories, Fat 10g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 47mg cholesterol, Sodium 784mg sodium, Carbohydrate 45g carbohydrate (8g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 33g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

YOGURT CHEESE WITH PITA AND OLIVES



Yogurt Cheese with Pita and Olives image

This tangy, fresh yogurt "cheese" -known as labaneh- vies for attention with hummus and tahini on the standard Israeli platter of mezze, or appetizers. Here it's seasoned with sesame seeds and spices, and drizzled with olive oil. Plan to start this the day before serving.

Provided by Mirj2338

Categories     Spreads

Time 16h4m

Yield 2 cups

Number Of Ingredients 10

cheesecloth
4 cups plain yogurt (do not use low-fat or nonfat)
1 teaspoon sesame seeds
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon dried summer savory
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground cumin
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
toasted pita bread, , cut into triangles
olive

Steps:

  • Set strainer over large bowl.
  • Line strainer with 4 layers of cheesecloth, allowing 4 inches to extend over sides of strainer (do not let strainer touch bottom of bowl).
  • Spoon yogurt into strainer.
  • Gather cheesecloth together; fold over yogurt.
  • Refrigerate at least 8 hours or overnight (liquid will drain out and yogurt will thicken).
  • Combine sesame seeds, salt, summer savory, cayenne and cumin in small bowl.
  • Open cheesecloth at top.
  • Using rubber spatula, transfer drained yogurt to bowl.
  • Drizzle olive oil over.
  • Sprinkle with sesame seed mixture.
  • Place bowl in center of platter; surround with pita bread triangles and olives.
  • Broil tomatoes until skins begin to split and blacken in spots, turning occasionally, about 4 minutes.
  • Cool.
  • Peel tomatoes.
  • Cut into wedges.
  • Arrange peppers, tomatoes and eggs on platter.
  • Sprinkle with tuna and capers.
  • Mix oil and lemon juice in small bowl.
  • Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  • Drizzle dressing over salad.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 428.1, Fat 30.2, SaturatedFat 12.2, Cholesterol 63.7, Sodium 807.5, Carbohydrate 23.4, Fiber 0.3, Sugar 22.9, Protein 17.3

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients, especially the yogurt. Opt for Greek yogurt or labneh for a thick and creamy texture.
  • Season the yogurt cheese well. A combination of salt, pepper, and herbs like za'atar or sumac is a good starting point.
  • Don't over-drain the yogurt cheese. You want it to be thick and spreadable, but not dry.
  • Chill the yogurt cheese for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will help it firm up and develop more flavor.
  • Garnish the yogurt cheese with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of paprika, and some fresh herbs.
  • Serve the yogurt cheese with pita bread, olives, vegetables, and fruit for a delicious and healthy breakfast, lunch, or snack.

Conclusion:

Israeli yogurt cheese is a versatile and delicious dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways. It's a great source of protein, calcium, and probiotics. Whether you're looking for a healthy breakfast, lunch, or snack, Israeli yogurt cheese is a great option. With its creamy texture, tangy flavor, and endless possibilities for toppings and accompaniments, it's sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

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