

A Classic Dish
Heat Level: Wild
Paprika originates from central Mexico, but it was brought to Europe in the 16th century by Christopher Columbus. Sometime after, paprika made its way to Hungary, and has been a staple food there ever since. Paprika is the Hungarian word for pepper. It’s the country’s national spice, and they spoon it on to pretty much any dish you can think of – from soups, stews and sauces to rice and eggs. It plays the starring role in Hungary’s most celebrated dish – goulash (a warming winter stew made from red meat, onions, potatoes and vegetables, served over egg noodles).
FINAL THOUGHTS

Your best option for small proportions: Sriracha Sauce
It also lacks the extra ingredients that you'll find in most blended chili powder preparations. You can substitute one for the other in some recipes, but you might need to adjust your other ingredients to account for the change in flavor.
Sweet paprika spice, derived from ground sweet peppers, is prized for its vibrant red color and mild, sweet flavor. It adds a touch of brightness to dishes without overwhelming them with heat, making it versatile for both seasoning and garnishing. Commonly used in European and Mediterranean cuisines, sweet paprika enhances dishes like roasted vegetables, grilled meats, and seafood. Its gentle heat and earthy undertones complement a wide range of flavors, making it a staple in kitchens where a balance of color and flavor is desired.
Who knew paprika was a spice with so many talents?
Whisk the Ingredients. Add all of the ingredients to a large bowl. Whisk them together until the chili sauce is nicely uniform and all of the ingredients are mixed through. You can also use a blender or food processor, but a whisk is usually sufficient.


If you look at any Hungarian recipe, paprika is sure to feature. Paprika is an essential ingredient in goulash, and chicken paprikash – another popular Hungarian stew made from a creamy paprika sauce. If you’re looking for a winter warmer, try out our Italian chickpea, spinach and rice soup with smoked paprika, or Turkey meatballs served on a rice base of aubergines, smoked paprika and spinach – both delicious. Paprika is also a great addition to Jambalaya, a classic Creole shrimp and sausage dish made with rice, chicken, diced tomatoes and stock, and Moroccan lamb tagine. If you’re looking for an al fresco recipe to enjoy with friends in the summer sunshine, try paella. The vibrant colour of paprika paired with perfectly balanced flavours of sundried tomatoes and rosemary will help re-create the sun-soaked streets of Barcelona in your own back garden. If you’re making a chilli con carne, definitely add some smoked paprika into the mix. It will give your dish a deliciously smokey flavour. Looking for an appetizer to serve before a dinner party? Cheese twists are super simple (taking just 10 minutes to cook). Flavoured with plenty of grated cheese and smoked paprika, they add a wonderfully sweet flavour to the buttery puff pastry.