Chef's Corner

Hector Santiago

Chef and Owner of Pura Vida, Atlanta, GA

Recipes

Clementines from Spain Chipotle Roasted Chicken Clementines from Spain Pumpkin Seed Bread with Pumpkin Seed Butter

Q&A

What do you love about Clementines from Spain?

They are very versatile... they can be used in anything from salads, to entrees, to breads and in sauces, as well as just being delicious on their own. They are very suitable for cooking because of the balance between sweetness, tartness and acidity. Also, being seedless makes them great for cooking.

What is your favorite way to enjoy Clementines from Spain?

Candied or roasted so that the entire clementine can be eaten.

What do you love about food from Spain?

I have traveled to Spain twice, and no matter where you go, from fine dining restaurants to holes in the walls, you always get wonderful food, that is freshly made, using local, seasonal ingredients. Spanish food also has lots of bold flavors that I love. Here in the States we are fortunate to now get a number of great Spanish products, like Jamon Serrano, Chorizo, Pimenton de la Vera (Spanish Smoked Paprika), Calaspara Rice, great artisanal cheeses and of course, Clementines from Spain.

What is unique about your restaurant, Pura Vida, and the Spanish influence?

In my restaurant, Pura Vida, we serve tapas, which originated in Spain, but with a more local approach, like a good Spanish chef would do.  That said, we focus on the flavors and ingredients of Latin America, enhanced by our local products and specialty products from Spain.  As in all Latin America, our food is filled with ingredients and flavors from Spain that I like to celebrate in my cuisine.

Tell us about your recipes?

The Clementines from Spain Chipotle Roasted Chicken is an entrée that plays on the sweet-spicy flavor combination that I love to work with. The chipotle also adds a little smokiness to the dish. It’s an easy recipe to do at home. The annatto in the yellow rice adds a slight citrus flavor to it, which compliments the Clementines from Spain. In this dish I use the whole clementine, since my favorite parts are the skin & pith. Clementines from Spain have the perfect tenderness and sweet/tart balance that allows you to eat the entire fruit.

The Clementines from Spain Pumpkin Seed Bread is based on a classic orange bread, but I used Clementines from Spain in place of the oranges and added pumpkin seeds. I substituted yogurt for some of the butter to give it a lighter consistency and flavor. It is great as a Breakfast or Brunch Bread or with afternoon tea. For a more savory dish, you can add smoked chicken livers or liverwurst to the toppings on the bread.