How is paprika used? The most popular form of paprika is sweet paprika, meaning it has no heat. This spice is a rich red color, and is used to add sweet and earthy flavor to meals. Common dishes that use paprika range from authentic Hungarian goulash, to chicken paprikash, rice dishes, chili con carne, eggs, soups, and stews.

In addition to sweet and hot paprika, there is also smoked paprika, which is made from peppers that have been smoked over oak fires. This process gives the paprika a distinct smoky flavor, adding depth and complexity to dishes.

3. Take a look at your ground paprika and see if it’s smooth and powdery. If you notice any large chunks or bumps, don’t worry! Simply grab a fine-mesh sieve and sift your paprika powder through it to achieve that velvety smooth texture.

In conclusion, chili and paprika are essential spices that bring bold flavors and vibrant colors to a wide range of dishes. Whether you are using fresh chilies for their intense heat, exploring various chili products, or incorporating the versatile spice paprika, these ingredients are sure to enhance your culinary creations. Sweet smoked paprika, with its unique flavor profile, offers an additional layer of complexity, making it a valuable addition to any spice collection. Embrace these spices to elevate your cooking and delight your taste buds with their rich, multifaceted flavors.

Heat Level: Hot

Next, consider adding crushed red pepper during the cooking process rather than after. By sprinkling the pepper on top of your pizza before it goes into the oven, the heat of the oven will help release the flavors of the pepper and infuse them into the pizza. This will result in a more cohesive and well-rounded flavor profile.

Read on as we show you what paprika is made of, its different types, and what substitutes work better for each one. You’ll also find out how to make your own paprika at home!

To recreate the spice of hot paprika, the best substitute is another dried chilli, like ground cayenne, aleppo pepper powder, crushed red pepper flakes, red chilli powder, or even a dash of hot sauce. If your recipe calls for smokiness and sweetness, try chipotle chilli powder or ancho pepper powder. Chipotle powder has a smoky taste, but is hotter than paprika with a more earthy flavour, lending itself to barbecue sauces, rubs and chillis. Due to the difference in heat, use a ¼ teaspoon of chipotle powder for every teaspoon of paprika and adjust depending on your taste buds.

If you’re looking to replicate the flavour of sweet paprika add a pinch of sugar or some honey. Adding mild chilli powder or tomato powder works too. Bell peppers are another great substitute for sweet paprika and they come from the same Capsicum annuum family. Mild, sweet and aromatic, bell peppers give the same delicious taste and aroma, while adding a splash of colour too. When buying your bell peppers, make sure they’re nice and ripe.

One of the best substitutes for paprika is cayenne pepper. It’s a spicy chilli pepper, used to flavour many different cuisines and quite similar in colour. It’s a lot stronger and hotter than paprika, so if you’re using it as a substitute in your cooking, make sure you use a lesser quantity. If you have a lower tolerance to spicy food, you can add salt, cream, chopped tomatoes or more liquid (water or broth) to try and dial down the heat.

Like paprika, chilli powder packs a lot of flavour and is another worthy substitute. It’s also not as spicy as cayenne pepper, so you can use the same quantities.  The same goes for cajun spices. A combination of black and white pepper, plus other herbs and spices, it can work as a good substitute for smoked or sweet paprika, offering a similar flavour. But you won’t get the same beautiful red colour – more of an orange, warm hue.

You can also use cumin instead of paprika. But it’s a lot hotter, so go easy on the quantities. Like cajun spices, you won’t achieve the gorgeous red colour of paprika, as cumin has more of a yellowy-brown colouring, but you’ll still get an earthy flavour with hints of bitterness and sweetness.

I highly advise that you gradually add the powdered or crushed red pepper flakes to your recipe. Start with one-third of a teaspoon for every teaspoon of paprika. Give it a taste to check the heat and spiciness, and add more when needed.