In terms of health benefits, paprika and bell pepper have been shown to have positive impacts on health. Paprika has been found to have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. It may also help improve digestion and reduce cholesterol levels.

Many aspiring chefs take the question about cayenne and paprika one step further by asking about paprika vs chili powder vs cayenne.

Switching with this spice is pretty straightforward. Just use an equal amount of chipotle powder for every smoked paprika the recipe calls for. 

WHAT FLAVOURS COMPLEMENT PAPRIKA?

One study showed that supplementing with 1 gram of curcumin for a month reduced triglyceride levels, but there was no change in cholesterol or fat levels in the body. Studies have also shown that inflammatory responses, high triglycerides and high cholesterol all increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Curcumin supplementation is believed to help reduce the associated risk.

La Vera Smoked Hot Paprika, also known as picante, is a Spanish paprika that has been smoked the traditional way – in a drying house, over oak wood, for a period of 10-15 days. The end result is a spice that exhibits a deep, dark earthy red color and mild, but noticeable, heat. This spice measures approximately 500 - 1,000 on the Scoville Heat Unit Scale. 

Make the Switch

Recipe Tips & Notes

Where It All Began

Paprika is not only used for its vibrant color but also for its distinct flavor profile. It can range from being sweet and mild to being hot and spicy, depending on the variety of peppers used to make it. In China, paprika is often used in dishes such as stir-fries, soups, and marinades to add a depth of flavor and a pop of color.

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. 

Chili condiments encompass a variety of spicy accompaniments that add depth and heat to dishes. From chili oils and pastes to chili sauces and sambals, these condiments come in diverse forms and heat levels, catering to different palates and culinary preferences. They are used globally to enhance stir-fries, marinades, dips, and soups, offering a fiery kick and robust flavor. Chili condiments are also integral to fusion cuisines, where they lend a bold and complex dimension to dishes that crave intensity.

Hungarians eat a colossal half kilo of paprika every year – that’s more than anyone else in Europe.