Pimiento is a type of sweet pepper that is often used to make paprika. It has a mild and sweet flavor and is commonly used in Spanish cuisine, where it is used to flavor dishes such as pimento cheese, stuffed peppers, and tapas.

Best for salsas and moles.

Paprika originates from central Mexico, but it was brought to Europe in the 16th century by Christopher Columbus. Sometime after, paprika made its way to Hungary, and has been a staple food there ever since. Paprika is the Hungarian word for pepper. It’s the country’s national spice, and they spoon it on to pretty much any dish you can think of – from soups, stews and sauces to rice and eggs. It plays the starring role in Hungary’s most celebrated dish – goulash (a warming winter stew made from red meat, onions, potatoes and vegetables, served over egg noodles).

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.

How to Make Hot Chili Sauce

Aside from making a great replacement for the smoked type, ancho chili powder also makes for a great sweet paprika substitute because of its sweet flavor that is similar to the taste of raisins.

Heat Level: Hot

In summary, paprika and paprika powder are generally used interchangeably to refer to the ground spice made from dried red peppers. Whether it's sweet, hot, or smoked, paprika powder adds flavor, color, and sometimes heat to a wide range of dishes, making it a popular and versatile spice in many culinary traditions.

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