Paprika and bell pepper both belong to the Capsicum annuum species, but they have different origins and varieties.

Cayenne Pepper Vs. Chili Powder

If you look at any Hungarian recipe, paprika is sure to feature. Paprika is an essential ingredient in goulash, and chicken paprikash –  another popular Hungarian stew made from a creamy paprika sauce. If you’re looking for a winter warmer, try out our Italian chickpea, spinach and rice soup with smoked paprika, or Turkey meatballs served on a rice base of aubergines, smoked paprika and spinach – both delicious. Paprika is also a great addition to Jambalaya, a classic Creole shrimp and sausage dish made with rice, chicken, diced tomatoes and stock, and Moroccan lamb tagine. If you’re looking for an al fresco recipe to enjoy with friends in the summer sunshine, try paella. The vibrant colour of paprika paired with perfectly balanced flavours of sundried tomatoes and rosemary will help re-create the sun-soaked streets of Barcelona in your own back garden. If you’re making a chilli con carne, definitely add some smoked paprika into the mix. It will give your dish a deliciously smokey flavour. Looking for an appetizer to serve before a dinner party? Cheese twists are super simple (taking just 10 minutes to cook). Flavoured with plenty of grated cheese and smoked paprika, they add a wonderfully sweet flavour to the buttery puff pastry. 

For this backup, start with a small amount and adjust according to the dish’s preference. You may also adjust other seasonings if needed. 

While most chili powder sold in US grocery stores contains blended spices, this term can also be used for powdered hot peppers on their own. This usage is common in Asian recipes and grocery stores. These powders tend to be much spicier than blended American chili powder.

To use this mixture, combine tomato sauce and chili powder in equal amounts. Then, incorporate in dishes in a 1:1 replacement to sweet or regular paprika.

Paprika, made from ground sweet or hot peppers, is known for its vibrant red color and versatile flavor profile. It ranges from mild and sweet to hot and smoky, making it suitable for a wide variety of dishes. In Hungarian cuisine, paprika is essential in dishes like goulash and chicken paprikash, where it provides both color and flavor. In Spanish cuisine, it is a key ingredient in chorizo and paella. Paprika's mild version can also be used as a garnish, adding a dash of color and a hint of flavor to deviled eggs, potato salads, and soups.

Paprika powder comes in various types, including sweet paprika, hot paprika, and smoked paprika, each offering different flavor profiles and heat levels. Sweet paprika is mild and sweet, adding vibrant color to dishes, while hot paprika provides a spicy kick. Smoked paprika, such as Spanish pimentón, has a distinct smoky flavor due to the peppers being smoked over oak fires.

The main difference between chili powder and the two spices we’ve covered is that chili powder actually comes from a blend of red pepper flakes. It’s also much hotter than cayenne powder—ours comes in at a whopping 160,000 Scovilles.

Overall, chili peppers can be a flavorful addition to a healthy diet, and their potential health benefits make them a valuable ingredient in many cuisines around the world.