Paprika is often used for seasoning meat and is a common ingredient in rubs, marinades, sauces and stews. So make sure you have some nearby the next time you fire up the barbeque. In the US, you’ll see paprika sprinkled over deviled eggs, eggs benedict and french fries to give a spicy kick, and it’s often scattered on top of creamy soups to add both colour and sweetness. It’s also sprinkled on top of hummus and used as a substitute to flour for thickening sauces. Add paprika in pasta sauce, or any tomato-based dish to add a burst of flavour and gorgeous colour. The next time you cook mac and cheese – try adding smoked paprika – it takes it to a whole different level.
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.
These little seeds come in all sorts of colorful boxes, from the sweet bell pepper to the mighty hot Carolina Reaper. Many capsicums contain capsaicin, which is the substance responsible for the kick spicy food enthusiasts love and crave.
The term paprika can refer to both the whole dried peppers and the ground powder made from them. In some contexts, paprika may specifically refer to the whole dried peppers, while paprika powder refers to the ground spice. However, in most culinary discussions, the terms are used interchangeably to refer to the powdered spice.
Paprika is known for its smoky and slightly bitter flavor, with a spicy kick that ranges from mild to hot. The level of spiciness depends on the type of paprika used, with Hungarian paprika being the spiciest and Spanish paprika being the mildest. The smoky flavor comes from the way the peppers are dried and smoked before being ground into powder. Paprika is commonly used in Hungarian, Spanish, and Moroccan cuisine, and is a key ingredient in dishes such as goulash, paella, and tagines.


Red chili powder is a staple in Indian kitchens. The spice and heat factor of the powder used depends on the region and the food it is used in. It is an essential spice and used in numerous savory dishes. You will find red chili powder in
Paprika and bell pepper both belong to the Capsicum annuum species, but they have different origins and varieties.
Got dried paprika peppers and ready to grind them up? Let’s spice things up in the kitchen! Here’s a fun and easy way to grind your paprika:
Balancing Heat: When using crushed red pepper, start with a small amount and adjust according to your heat tolerance. For paprika, choose the type that best complements your dish's flavor profile.