Apart from adding spiciness and heat to the recipe, hot paprika will also act as a colorant to make your dish or sauce look more appetizing.
Paprika, made from ground sweet or hot peppers, is known for its vibrant red color and versatile flavor profile. It ranges from mild and sweet to hot and smoky, making it suitable for a wide variety of dishes. In Hungarian cuisine, paprika is essential in dishes like goulash and chicken paprikash, where it provides both color and flavor. In Spanish cuisine, it is a key ingredient in chorizo and paella. Paprika's mild version can also be used as a garnish, adding a dash of color and a hint of flavor to deviled eggs, potato salads, and soups.
Thanks to its versatility, it can be used as a condiment, seasoning, or marinade for all sorts of dishes. So go ahead and give it a try in your next recipe!
So, why is it there?
Paprika is a vibrant spice that can have earthy, sweet, smokey and fiery flavor depending on the variety used. The bright hue is due to high levels of carotene found in Paprika, the same pigment found most notably in...carrots! Paprika is a key spice ingredient in stuffed bell peppers, deviled eggs, chorizo, and traditional Spanish rice. There are many varieties of paprika, and they are best recognized by their differing flavor, color, heat level, and smokiness. Read our paprika spice spotlight for more information on the nuanced differences between our paprikas.
The reason bell peppers are often used to make paprika is due to their mild and sweet flavor, as well as their vibrant red color. When dried and ground, bell peppers produce a sweet paprika with a rich red hue, adding both flavor and color to a wide range of dishes.
Paprika is often used for seasoning meat and is a common ingredient in rubs, marinades, sauces and stews. So make sure you have some nearby the next time you fire up the barbeque. In the US, you’ll see paprika sprinkled over deviled eggs, eggs benedict and french fries to give a spicy kick, and it’s often scattered on top of creamy soups to add both colour and sweetness. It’s also sprinkled on top of hummus and used as a substitute to flour for thickening sauces. Add paprika in pasta sauce, or any tomato-based dish to add a burst of flavour and gorgeous colour. The next time you cook mac and cheese – try adding smoked paprika – it takes it to a whole different level.

Paprika vs Cayenne: Differences in the Kitchen
Allergies and Sensitivities: While capsicum oleoresin is generally safe, individuals with known allergies to peppers or related plants should exercise caution. Allergic reactions to capsicum oleoresin can occur in sensitive individuals, leading to symptoms such as skin rashes, hives, or, in severe cases, anaphylaxis. It's important for individuals with known allergies to carefully read food labels and avoid products containing capsicum oleoresin.




