Ayşe Abla'dan Yağlı SÜndürme Peyniri Tarifi
Ayşe Abla'dan Yağlı SÜndürme Peyniri Tarifi is a easy Turkish recipe that serves 4. 150 calories per serving. Recipe by Fraktin TV on YouTube.
Prep: 17 min | Cook: 2 hrs 30 min | Total: 2 hrs 57 min
Cost: $4.05 total, $1.01 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 liters Full-Fat Plain Yogurt (Turkish full‑fat yogurt, at least 10% fat for best texture)
- 500 ml Cold Water (Plenty of cold water for rinsing and mixing)
- 1 tsp Fine Sea Salt (Adds a subtle flavor; adjust to taste)
Instructions
Gather Ingredients and Equipment
Set out the full‑fat yogurt, cold water, salt, and all listed equipment.
Time: PT5M
Mix Yogurt with Cold Water
Place the yogurt in the mixing bowl, add the cold water, and stir gently until the mixture is smooth and slightly thinner.
Time: PT5M
Drain the Yogurt
Line the fine mesh strainer with cheesecloth (or a clean kitchen towel) and set it over a large bowl. Pour the yogurt‑water mixture into the strainer and let it sit undisturbed for about 2 hours, or until most of the liquid has drained and the cheese thickens.
Time: PT2H
Season with Salt
Transfer the thickened cheese to a clean bowl, sprinkle the salt over it, and fold it in gently until evenly distributed.
Time: PT2M
Press and Set
Place the cheese in a shallow container, smooth the top, and cover with a weight or a plate. Let it sit for 30 minutes to firm up and develop a smooth surface.
Time: PT30M
Serve or Store
Remove the cheese from the press, transfer to a serving dish, and enjoy immediately or refrigerate.
Time: PT0M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 150
- Protein
- 8 g
- Carbohydrates
- 5 g
- Fat
- 12 g
- Fiber
- 0 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Allergens: Dairy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Full-Fat Plain Yogurt: Full‑fat Greek yogurt
- Instead of Fine Sea Salt: Kosher salt
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Fine Mesh Strainer or Cheesecloth
- Large Bowl (for draining)
- Weight or Plate (optional)
- Measuring Cup
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Draining the yogurt for at least 2 hours
- Adding the correct amount of salt
- Pressing the cheese to achieve the desired firmness
Chef Tips from the Video
- Full‑fat yogurt yields a richer, creamier cheese; low‑fat yogurts result in a crumbly texture.
- For a subtle herb flavor, fold in chopped fresh dill or mint after adding salt.
- A drizzle of high‑quality olive oil on top before serving adds shine and depth.
Troubleshooting
Cheese is too watery after draining.
Extend the draining time by 30‑60 minutes or use a tighter cheesecloth to increase liquid removal.
Cheese is overly salty.
Rinse the cheese briefly with cold water, then pat dry and adjust salt next time.
Cheese does not firm up after pressing.
Press with a heavier weight and increase pressing time; ensure the cheese was fully drained before pressing.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 7 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a sealed bag for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge before use.
Room temperature: Not recommended; keep refrigerated.
Make-Ahead Tips
- The cheese keeps well refrigerated; make it a day ahead for deeper flavor.
- Portion into small containers for quick snack servings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of full‑fat strained cheese in Turkish cuisine?
Full‑fat strained cheese, known as "süzme peynir" or "labneh," has been a staple in Turkish households for centuries. It originated as a way to preserve yogurt by removing whey, creating a tangy, spreadable cheese used in meze, breakfast spreads, and as a garnish for soups.
What are the traditional regional variations of strained cheese in Turkish cuisine?
In the Aegean region, strained cheese is often mixed with herbs like mint or oregano. In Central Anatolia, it may be pressed into firmer blocks and served with honey. Coastal areas sometimes add a splash of olive oil and serve it with fresh tomatoes.
How is full‑fat strained cheese traditionally served in Turkey?
It is typically served at room temperature, drizzled with olive oil, and sprinkled with dried herbs or sumac. It accompanies fresh bread, cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives as part of a meze platter.
During which Turkish celebrations or occasions is strained cheese commonly enjoyed?
Strained cheese appears on festive tables during Ramadan iftar meals, wedding receptions, and village festivals, where it is offered alongside other dairy spreads and pastries.
What authentic ingredients are essential for traditional Turkish full‑fat strained cheese?
The authentic recipe uses only full‑fat plain yogurt, cold water for rinsing, and a pinch of fine sea salt. No thickeners or preservatives are added, allowing the natural tang of the yogurt to shine.
What other Turkish dishes pair well with full‑fat strained cheese?
It pairs beautifully with menemen (Turkish scrambled eggs), börek fillings, grilled eggplant, and as a base for "çılbır" (poached eggs with yogurt).
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making full‑fat strained cheese at home?
Common errors include draining for too short a time, which leaves excess whey, adding too much salt, and pressing the cheese before it is fully thickened. Follow the timing guidelines and taste before adding extra salt.
Why does this recipe use cold water during the mixing step instead of warm water?
Cold water helps keep the yogurt from curdling and maintains a smooth texture while thinning the mixture for easier draining. Warm water could start a fermentation process and affect flavor.
Can I make full‑fat strained cheese ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prepare the cheese a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. For longer storage, freeze in a sealed bag for up to 2 months and thaw in the fridge before serving.
What does the YouTube channel Fraktin TV specialize in?
The YouTube channel Fraktin TV focuses on practical, home‑cooking tutorials that showcase traditional Turkish recipes, quick kitchen hacks, and step‑by‑step guides for everyday meals.
How does the YouTube channel Fraktin TV's approach to Turkish cooking differ from other Turkish cooking channels?
Fraktin TV emphasizes minimal equipment, clear visual cues, and culturally authentic techniques while keeping recipes accessible for beginners. Unlike some channels that use elaborate setups, Fraktin TV demonstrates how to create classic dishes with everyday kitchen tools.
Last updated: August 20, 2026
