Who would have thought that when you combine tomato sauce with chili powder, you end up with one of the best substitutes for paprika? The tomato sauce will provide the required color and a bit of umami-ness, while the chili powder will add the kick of spice and heat.

But what is the difference when it comes to ingredients and flavor? Today, I’ll give an overview of the differences between paprika vs. chili powder vs. cayenne. I’ll share what exactly is in each of these spices, how they differ in flavor and heat, and how each is typically used. Let’s get into it!

The world of red peppers is as vibrant and diverse as their hues, which range from the deepest reds to the fieriest oranges. These peppers not only add a pop of color to our plates but also bring a spectrum of flavors and heat levels, each with its unique culinary role. Common red pepper varieties include:

In addition to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, curcumin has also been shown to have anti-cancer effects. Studies have found that curcumin can inhibit the growth of cancer cells and even induce apoptosis, or programmed cell death, in certain types of cancer. While more research is needed in this area, the potential of curcumin as a natural cancer treatment is promising.

Now add your Sichuan chili flakes and sugar. Stir to combine.

- Paprika extract is typically obtained through a water-based extraction process, where the color and flavor components of paprika are extracted using water as a solvent. This method often yields a product with a lower concentration of the active compounds found in paprika.

Paprika is a popular spice known for its vibrant color and rich flavor. It is made from dried and ground Capsicum annuum peppers, which are commonly known as chili peppers or bell peppers. The specific type of pepper used to make paprika can vary, resulting in different varieties of paprika with distinct flavors and heat levels.