Like regular chili powder, only use cajun spice when you're in a pinch or if it's the only Hungarian paprika substitute available in your pantry and you can't run to the grocery. That's because it contains several ingredients.

There are a number of herbs and spices that will help add even more flavour to your dishes alongside paprika. Rosemary is a popular herb in Mediterranean cuisine and adds a sweet, intense flavour to grilled chicken and lamb, potatoes and roast vegetables. Oregano also pairs well with paprika. Full of flavour, it brings citrus and anise flavours to your dishes. Try it alongside paprika when you’re cooking a whole chicken, making crispy potatoes or marinade for your barbeque. And if you’re looking for a complementary spice, try cumin. It brings a spicy, warm flavour and earthy colour to a number of dishes, including meats, vegetables, potatoes, soups and stews. Paprika also goes well with caraway, garlic, ginger and thyme. 

Where Does Cayenne Come From?

You can turn the heat up and down between medium-low and medium-high to slow or expedite the process as need be. If you want to be more cautious about it, the ideal heat should be between 225 to 250 degrees F and you can use a candy thermometer to monitor the oil temperature.

 Use La Vera Smoked Sweet Paprika to make tapas like patatas bravas—roasted potatoes with a seasoned aioli—or artichokes simmered in garlic sauce. It’s wonderful in Spanish style stews, on roasted chicken or fish, and in a classic Spanish romesco sauce, blended from tomatoes and bell peppers and thickened with bread and almonds.  

What Customers Say: “The Habanero Mango Hot Sauce has a sweet, but not too sweet, flavor bursting with taste and just enough kick to it to give it that awesome flavor. There's really nothing that you couldn't put it on to give whatever you're eating that extra boost in taste. It's a really, really good sauce.”

Red pepper flakes, also known as crushed red pepper, are made from dried and crushed whole red chili peppers—including the seeds, which contribute to its heat. This spice is renowned for its ability to deliver a consistent, fiery flavor with a slightly fruity undertone, making it a favorite for sprinkling over pizza, pasta dishes, and stir-fries. Red pepper flakes are versatile and can be used in cooking or as a garnish to add a bit of spice to any dish.

Negative Aspects:

While newbies might think all hot sauces just taste like “hot,” they couldn’t be more wrong. Experienced chili-heads understand that every hot sauce has a complex flavor profile as a result of the various peppers and additional ingredients it contains. From goes-with-everything garlic to  tangy vinegar, sweet fruits, refreshing citrus, and beyond, each hot sauce has a complex flavor that can make or break a dish. Get to know your sauce, read the ingredient list, and try a dash on its own to decide how to best utilize the various layers of deliciousness.