Broken Wheat Fritters with Labneh

Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, these broken wheat fritters are packed with warm, nutty dukkah spices and served alongside creamy, lemony labneh. They make an irresistible appetizer or snack that feels special yet comes together with simple pantry ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These fritters are quick to prepare and perfect for entertaining. Broken wheat gives them a hearty texture, while dukkah adds deep, aromatic flavor. Shallow frying keeps them light and crisp without the heaviness of deep frying, and the labneh adds a cool, tangy contrast that balances every bite beautifully.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the labneh
12 oz thick plain yogurt
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon dukkah spice mix
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 pinch paprika

For the broken wheat fritters
½ cup broken wheat
1 cup water
½ cup boiled potatoes, mashed
¾ cup finely chopped cilantro
¼ cup finely chopped red onion
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon dukkah spice mix
1 large egg
4 tablespoons oil for shallow frying

Directions

Start by preparing the labneh. Line a colander with a double layer of cheesecloth and place it over a plate. In a bowl, mix the yogurt with salt and lemon juice. Pour the yogurt mixture into the cheesecloth, fold the edges over, and refrigerate for 12 hours to allow the excess liquid to drain. Once thick, transfer the labneh to a serving bowl, swirl the surface with a spoon, sprinkle with dukkah and paprika, and drizzle with olive oil. Set aside.

To prepare the fritters, bring the water to a boil in a heavy-bottomed pan. Add the broken wheat, reduce the heat to medium, and simmer for about 5 minutes until most of the water is absorbed. Turn off the heat, cover tightly, and let it steam for 3 minutes. Fluff with a fork and allow it to cool slightly.

Transfer the cooked broken wheat to a mixing bowl. Add the mashed potatoes, chopped cilantro, red onion, salt, flour, dukkah spice mix, and egg. Mix until everything is evenly combined.

Divide the mixture into 12 equal portions, about the size of a ping-pong ball. Flatten each portion into a disc about 1½ inches in diameter. Place the shaped fritters in the refrigerator for 1 hour to help them firm up.

Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place the fritters in the pan without overcrowding and shallow fry for about 5 minutes on one side until golden. Flip and cook for another 4 minutes until crisp and browned on both sides. Remove and drain briefly on paper towels.

Serve the fritters warm with the prepared labneh on the side.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 12 fritters.
Preparation time is about 20 minutes, plus 1 hour chilling time.
Cooking time is approximately 15 minutes.

Storage/Reheating

Leftover fritters can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through and crisp again. Labneh should be stored separately in the refrigerator and used within 3 days.

FAQs

Can I make the fritter mixture ahead of time?

Yes, the mixture can be prepared up to a day in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator before shaping and frying.

Can I bake these fritters instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake them at 400°F for about 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, though they will be slightly less crisp than shallow-fried ones.

What can I use instead of dukkah?

If dukkah is unavailable, a mix of toasted sesame seeds, ground nuts, and a pinch of cumin and coriander works well.

Is broken wheat the same as bulgur?

They are similar but not identical. Broken wheat is made from raw wheat, while bulgur is parboiled before cracking.

Can I make this recipe egg-free?

Yes, you can replace the egg with 2 tablespoons of yogurt or a flaxseed mixture for binding.

How thick should the labneh be?

The labneh should be thick enough to hold its shape, similar to soft cream cheese.

Can I freeze the fritters?

Yes, shaped but uncooked fritters can be frozen. Thaw in the refrigerator before frying.

What other dips go well with these fritters?

They pair well with plain yogurt, tahini sauce, or a light garlic sauce.

Can I add vegetables to the fritters?

Finely chopped spinach, grated carrots, or zucchini can be added for extra texture and nutrition.

Are these fritters suitable for kids?

Yes, they are mild and flavorful, and the spices can be adjusted to taste.

Conclusion

Broken wheat fritters with labneh are a wonderful way to turn simple ingredients into a memorable snack. With their crisp exterior, soft interior, and bold dukkah flavor, they are perfect for gatherings or relaxed evenings at home. Paired with creamy labneh, they deliver comfort, crunch, and freshness in every bite.

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