One thing that you might need to pay attention to is how hot red pepper flakes are. Unlike paprika, you can't find mild, medium, and hot varieties of crushed red pepper flakes.

Hot Paprika Substitutes

To give your paprika a smoky twist, you’ll need to smoke the peppers before drying them. Start by setting up your smoker and choosing a flavorful wood, like hickory or oak chips. Spread your sweet or hot paprika in a thin layer on a heat-safe dish or tray. Pop it into the smoker, making sure it’s at a safe distance from the heat source.

Like regular chili powder, only use cajun spice when you're in a pinch or if it's the only Hungarian paprika substitute available in your pantry and you can't run to the grocery. That's because it contains several ingredients.

In rare cases, allergic reactions to paprika and bell peppers can occur, causing symptoms such as hives, itching, swelling, and difficulty breathing. Individuals who experience these symptoms after consuming paprika or bell peppers should seek medical attention immediately.

There is no easy answer to where paprika comes from. While paprika is closely associated with Hungary and Hungarian cuisine, paprika peppers did not arrive in that part of the world until the mid to late 16th century. The origin of all peppers can be traced to South America, where they grew wild and were distributed throughout South and Central America, mostly by birds. Eventually, peppers were cultivated, and native traders travelling through these regions carried them across the Caribbean as cargo in dugout canoes.  

Paprika and bell pepper both belong to the Capsicum annuum species, but they have different origins and varieties.

3. ALEPPO CHILI POWDER