While bell peppers may not be spicy, it doesn't make them any less pleasing than hot chilies. In fact, many of you may already be eating bell peppers in their dried, ground form, or as paprika. Yes, that deep red spice in your cupboard called paprika is in fact made from red bell peppers. Use fresh bell peppers or paprika just like you would spicy chilies. A fantastic thing to do with bell peppers is to combine them with hot chilies, which will both tone down the heat and add a new layer of flavor. The possibilities are truly endless. 

When shopping for paprika in China, it is important to consider the quality of the spice before making a purchase. Higher-quality paprika tends to have a more vibrant color and a stronger flavor, making it worth the slightly higher price tag. It is also important to store paprika in a cool, dark place to preserve its flavor and color for longer.

Of course, you can add more of the spicy ingredient if you want more heat and spiciness. Then, mix until well blended.

Crushed red pepper flakes are basically just dried peppers that are not ground to powdered form. Because it has not been ground further, it will leave you a mix of seeds and pepper flakes. This condiment is often used to garnish pizza, soups, and stews to add a layer of spicy flavor. That said, it might not be a good backup for some recipes because of its coarse texture. The good thing is you can always use your handy spice grinder to ground it into powdered form.