It’s honestly wild how many people think paprika is some mysterious spice blend 😄
Paprika is made from dried and ground peppers—specifically sweet red peppers (capsicum), usually varieties of Capsicum annuum.
So what exactly is paprika?
It’s basically ground dried red pepper.
But the flavor depends on the pepper type, which is why there are different kinds:
🌶️ Types of Paprika (and what they taste like)
✅ Sweet Paprika
- Mild, slightly sweet
- The most common type
- Used in soups, stews, and as a garnish
🔥 Smoked Paprika
- Made from peppers dried over smoke
- Has a deep smoky flavor
- Great in BBQ, chili, and roasted veggies
🌶️ Hot Paprika
- Made from spicier peppers
- Adds heat and color
- Used in spicy dishes
What paprika is not
❌ It’s not curry powder
❌ It’s not chili powder (though similar)
❌ It’s not just “red pepper flakes”
❌ It’s not always spicy
Quick fun fact:
Paprika is especially associated with Hungarian cuisine, where it’s a signature ingredient in dishes like goulash and chicken paprikash.
If you want, I can:
- suggest the best paprika for your recipes
- help you substitute paprika in a dish
- share paprika-rich recipes
Just say the word!