Zeytinyağlı Kereviz Yemeği (or Braised Celeriac) is a delicious Turkish & Mediterranean dish made with celery root and carrots braised in olive oil and orange juice.
Start with preparing the vegetables. Peel the carrots and cut them into chunky dice, and set them aside.
To prepare the celeriac, remove the thick skin carefully with a very sharp knife and then cut off the top and bottom.
Chop the celeriac up into slices, then into rough 2 ½ cm (1") cubes, and set them aside along with the carrots.
Place a pan on medium-low heat and add the olive oil, and then sauté the onions until soft and translucent.
Add the diced carrots along with the potatoes, and sauté them for a few minutes.
Add the celeriac, and cook them for a few minutes before adding the orange juice, lemon juice, sugar, and salt.
Bring the mixture to a boil, cover the Dutch oven with a lid, and let it simmer over low heat for about 30 minutes, until the vegetables are softened but not mushy.
Transfer the dish to a serving plate, sprinkle on celery leaves or dill, and let it cool down to room temperature before serving.
Notes
A good quality olive oil is necessary as it highlights the flavor of zeytinyağlı dishes and it will make a huge difference in flavor.
Don't overpower Zeytinyağlı Kereviz Yemeği with spices and flavorings, keep it as a simple, delightful, and tender vegetable dish with delicate flavors.
Use freshly squeezed lemon juice and orange juice for the best flavor and also to balance the sweetness of the carrots.