Carne con chili, or chili con carne, is a renowned Tex-Mex dish that showcases the versatility of chili peppers. It features tender meat, usually beef, simmered with chili peppers, tomatoes, beans, and spices until flavors meld into a hearty stew. The key to a flavorful carne con chili lies in the quality of the chili used, whether it's fresh peppers, chili powder, or pure paprika.

Smoked paprika, such as Spanish pimentón, is made from peppers that have been smoked over oak fires, giving it a distinct smoky flavor. This type of paprika can be sweet or hot, and its spiciness can vary depending on the specific variety. The smoky flavor adds depth to dishes and is often used in recipes like barbecue, paella, and marinades.

Most of the best quality paprika comes from either Hungary or Spain. These countries have very different ways of making the spice. In Hungary, the peppers are commonly cured and sun dried. In Spain, the peppers are often cured over smoldering oak logs in large barns for a deep and smoky flavor.

Adding paprika to your food can also help your health. Containing capsicum and high in fibre, it can assist with digestion, breaking down foods more easily. Paprika is also high in vitamin C and is said to normalise blood pressure and improve circulation. So it’s definitely worth adding to your dishes in the winter to provide some extra warmth. As well as vitamin C, paprika also contains good levels of vitamin E, which helps the body produce red blood cells. That means it can help heal wounds. If you get a cut, sprinkle some of the powder on it and press gently with a clean cloth for a few seconds. The spice is loaded with antioxidants too, which fight cell damage, so it’s linked to helping prevent heart disease and cancer. It’s also an effective treatment against acne, rejuvenating your skin. The iron found in paprika is also said to encourage hair growth, by improving circulation to the scalp. And it can help maintain hair colour too, due to vitamin B6, which aids in the production of melanin, a pigment that gives your hair colour. But if you’re planning on using it for this reason, always test a small amount on your wrist first, just in case you have a reaction.