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.
The reason bell peppers are often used to make paprika is due to their mild and sweet flavor, as well as their vibrant red color. When dried and ground, bell peppers produce a sweet paprika with a rich red hue, adding both flavor and color to a wide range of dishes.
We know it may be very tempting to simply swap in that ketchup sitting in the fridge, but spiciness is a primary expectation of chili sauce, and there’s obviously none in ketchup. Plus, it’s very simple to spice up that ketchup with chipotle or cayenne pepper to at least provide some heat.
Paprika is a vibrant spice that can have earthy, sweet, smokey and fiery flavor depending on the variety used. The bright hue is due to high levels of carotene found in Paprika, the same pigment found most notably in...carrots! Paprika is a key spice ingredient in stuffed bell peppers, deviled eggs, chorizo, and traditional Spanish rice. There are many varieties of paprika, and they are best recognized by their differing flavor, color, heat level, and smokiness. Read our paprika spice spotlight for more information on the nuanced differences between our paprikas.
Hot paprika is made from spicy peppers and has a pungent and fiery taste. It is commonly used in Mexican, Indian, and Hungarian cuisine, where it is used to add heat to dishes such as chili, curries, and goulash. Hot paprika is also used as a seasoning for grilled meats and vegetables.
Yes, there are two main types of paprika: sweet paprika and hot paprika. Both types are made from dried and ground Capsicum annuum peppers, but they differ in flavor and heat level.
