Home Cook Together. Celebrate Life.

MoroccanAuthentic Cuisine

Lben

Serves 4 Beverage vegetarian, Beverages

Lben

Lben, a refreshing Moroccan buttermilk, is a staple in many homes, especially during the sweltering summer months. It finds its place at the table alongside couscous bel lben, offering a cooling contrast to the warm, hearty grains. In the heat of summer, it’s often enjoyed on its own, sometimes sweetened with a touch of sugar.

This drink is not to be confused with yogurt; instead, it offers a tangy, thin consistency akin to farmhouse kefir. Served ice-cold, its invigorating tartness is beautifully balanced by a subtle saltiness, making it an ideal thirst-quencher. Whether paired with couscous or sipped solo, it’s a simple pleasure that speaks volumes in its quiet refreshment.

Ingredients

  • 500 ml (2 cups)plain yogurt
  • 400 ml (1 2/3 cups)cold water
  • pinchsalt
  • 1 cupice — optional

Method

  1. In a large mixing bowl, pour 500 ml (2 cups) of plain yogurt. Use a whisk to vigorously whisk the yogurt until it becomes completely smooth and free of any lumps. This step ensures that the final texture of the Lben is silky and consistent.
  2. Gradually add 400 ml (1 2/3 cups) of cold water to the whisked yogurt. Continue to whisk as you pour the water in a steady stream. The mixture should become thinner and more fluid, resembling the consistency of a drinkable lassi. This step is crucial to achieving the desired thinness of Lben.
  3. Add a pinch of salt to the mixture and whisk again to combine. If you prefer a sweet version, you can substitute the salt with a small amount of sugar. The salt or sugar should dissolve completely, enhancing the flavor profile of the Lben.
  4. Prepare a large pitcher or a jug and fill it with 1 cup of ice. Pour the yogurt mixture over the ice, allowing it to chill immediately. The ice will help to rapidly cool the Lben, making it refreshing and ready to serve.
  5. Once the Lben is thoroughly chilled and the ice has slightly melted, giving it a crisp coldness, pour it into glasses. The texture should be smooth and the drink should feel light and refreshing, similar to a farmhouse kefir. Serve immediately to enjoy its full tangy flavor.
Cover of Authentic Moroccan Cuisine Preview the cookbookBrowse the dishes inside
From the cookbook

Authentic Moroccan Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Moroccan Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Moroccan volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

Buy the cookbook on Amazon Explore Moroccan cuisine