Paprika is Hungary’s national spice; you’ll find it on tables right next to the salt and pepper, and you can’t make time-honored Hungarian food, like goulash, without a heaping helping of paprika. Paprika peppers are grown all over the country though Kalocsa and Szeged, cities located in southern Hungary, are two of the most important regions for paprika production. 

It’s gotten to the point that Sarah and I have split into 2 sauce factions—Sarah remains determinedly loyal to “lady sauce” our old standby, whereas I have cast caution to the wind and pledged allegiance to this amazingly delicious, garlicky, spicy Chiu Chow oil.

One of the great things about crushed red pepper is that it can easily be added to any type of pizza. Whether you're a fan of classic pepperoni, veggie-loaded, or gourmet combinations, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper can take your pizza to the next level. The heat of the pepper complements the richness of the cheese and the savory toppings, creating a delicious and satisfying flavor profile.

Bell peppers, on the other hand, have a sweet and mild flavor, with no spiciness. The sweetness comes from the natural sugars in the pepper, which are more prominent in ripe peppers. Bell peppers come in a variety of colors, including green, red, yellow, and orange, and each color has a slightly different flavor profile. Green bell peppers are the least sweet and have a slightly bitter taste, while red, yellow, and orange bell peppers are sweeter and have a more fruity flavor. Bell peppers are commonly used in Mediterranean, Mexican, and Middle Eastern cuisine, and are a key ingredient in dishes such as fajitas, ratatouille, and stuffed peppers.

Sriracha is one of the most famous hot sauces around the globe, used in many spicy and scrumptious dishes. As a spicy food lover, you expect to have it always nearby. But, what to do when you run out of this infamous sauce and just can't run to the store? Oh no! All there’s left to do is find something else in your kitchen to take it's place.

Paprika is known for its smoky and slightly bitter flavor, with a spicy kick that ranges from mild to hot. The level of spiciness depends on the type of paprika used, with Hungarian paprika being the spiciest and Spanish paprika being the mildest. The smoky flavor comes from the way the peppers are dried and smoked before being ground into powder. Paprika is commonly used in Hungarian, Spanish, and Moroccan cuisine, and is a key ingredient in dishes such as goulash, paella, and tagines.

Why is paprika named differently from bell pepper?

It’s best recognized for the nuanced spicy kick it adds to deviled eggs, stuffed bell pepper, and hummus, and is also a well-known chili powder substitute for a wide variety of dishes. Now in case you’ve run out of this essential spice, let’s explore paprika substitute options you can try below.