Ethiopian | Dairy | Cheese

Iab

(Ethiopian fresh cheese)

Yield: 2 cups


INGREDIENTS PREP AMOUNT
Cottage cheese, small curd 1 pint
Plain yogurt 1/2 cup
Lemon juice 2 tablespoons
Salt and pepper to taste

METHOD

Basic Steps:  Mash → Mix
  1. Place the cottage cheese, yogurt, lemon juice, salt and pepper into a large bowl and use a wooden spoon to stir together and lightly mash the cheese curds.
  2. Adjust seasoning and serve as a side dish or as the final course to an Ethiopian meal.

VARIATIONS

  • Iab be Gomen (Fresh cheese with greens): Stir in 2 cups of chopped and sauteed collard greens.
  • For added flavor, you can stir in chopped parsley, spinach or fenugreek leaves. Fresh lemon zest can also be added.

NOTES

  • Iab (sometimes spelled aiyb or ayib) is a fresh cheese similar to cottage cheese. It's cooling flavor is the perfect foil for many spicy Ethiopian dishes. Iab is often served as the finish to an Ethiopian meal.