Aleppo chili powder has a milder heat level than hot paprika. I will describe it as a middle ground between cayenne pepper powder and spicy paprika. Thus, it's a good substitute for paprika if you want to tone down the spiciness and heat of your recipe.

Even though it's easily available in stores and online, I prefer to make my Thai Sweet Chilli Sauce at home. I know that sounds like one extra thing to do - but hear me out. Making this Asian sauce at home is insanely easy. It requires minimal prep, most of the ingredients are pantry staples, and the cooking process is mostly hands free.

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.

Green Bell Peppers

Today, hot sauce comes in a wide array of flavors, heat levels, and ingredients, varying greatly from region to region. For example, Louisiana-style hot sauces emphasize the tangy, sour taste of vinegar, while Asian hot sauces like Sriracha focus more on a balance between heat, sweetness, and garlic.

A common Middle Eastern spice, Aleppo chili powder is used to season meat, salads, sauces, and dips. Basically, you can use it as you would any type of paprika. Another notable similarity is their heat. Aleppo has moderate to medium heat with a salty and earthy flavor. But since it’s salty, this swap should not be one is to one. We suggest starting with ¼ teaspoon and gradually adding more to taste. 

There are countless variations of chili powder recipes, with some being much more complex than others. However, with just a few readily available ingredients, you can make your own amazing homemade chili powder.

Once done, measure the same amount of the smoked paprika mixture as what the recipe calls for hot or spicy paprika.