How to Make Libum

Want to make your own libum? Also called "Roman Cheesecake," this dish is as easy to make as it is delicious. We've put together a quick and easy recipe for you to follow, so you can whip up some libum to enjoy at home.

Ingredients

1 cup (150g) feta cheese, drained, crumbled, and packed into the measuring cup
1/2 cup (65g) unbleached, all-purpose flour
1 egg, beaten
6 bay leaves
2 tablespoons (45g) honey

1

Put the cheese into a mixing bowl.

A medium-sized mixing bowl works well for this.

2

Mash the cheese with your fingers.

Keep mashing until the cheese becomes a smooth, lump-free paste.

3

Add in the flour.

Mix the flour in with your fingers.

4

Add the beaten egg.

Mix it well with the other ingredients. The dough will be rather sticky.

5

Divide the dough into two equal parts.

Form two round, flat, ¹⁄₂ inch (1.3 cm) thick loaves.

6

Lay the loaves on three bay leaves.

The loaves and bay leaves should be set on a greased baking sheet.

7

Bake in a preheated 400ºF/200ºC oven.

Let the libum bake for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until cooked through.

8

Remove the loaves from the oven.

Spread the tops with the honey, and let cool.
- Be sure to remove the bay leaves before serving.

Community Q&A

Question

Hi! I tried libum at a convention, and the man hosting the colloquia made the libum on a pancake griddle, but said they could also be baked. Can this recipe be cooked the same way?

Susan Butler

Community Answer

Yes, libum can be cooked on a pancake griddle, although you wouldn't achieve the same finish as you would if you baked it.
Question

Can the feta cheese be replaced with ricotta?

Community Answer

Yes, that would be fine. They have a similar consistency and flavor.
Question

Should I refrigerate it?

Susan Butler

Community Answer

Yes. As the cake contains cheese and eggs, it would keep best if kept refrigerated.