Shanklish by King Cheese - Mezze Salad

 

I was shopping at our local Middle Eastern grocery and came across the cheese aisle.  Saw a sheep's milk cheese in the shape of a whimsical ball.  Unique for real and non processed cheese and always love anything made with Goat or Sheep's milk.  

  The process itself is unique in which requires the separation of butter from yogurt.  The skimmed yogurt is called Chenineh is curdled to form Arishesh, aka a crumbly white cheese.   

After some googling, learned that spices are normally mixed into the cheese before they are rolled into balls and then the ball is covered with herbs.  Young Shanklish is mild with a soft texture as most young cheeses will be.  I am assuming I got a more aged Shanklish due to the taste and texture.  

It is found in many Levantine countries in different dishes as well a Lebanese mezze.  It is typically served with chopped tomatoes, olive oil and onion.  With eggs and pita.    Believe me this cheese had to grow on me after a few bites then came to love and appreciate it's bold flavor and texture.  And definitely pairs well with eggs.

I made this Mezze salad with the suggested olive oil, tomatoes and onion with toasted pita chips and then tested the theory of some scrambled eggs.  And that was amazing.  If ever come across Shanklish and adventurous, give it a try!