In some cases, the paprika is being used primarily to add color to a dish, in which case you could add a small amount of some other red ingredient, which could be anything from a teaspoon of ketchup with a dash of chili powder mix to tomato sauce, finely pureed red peppers, tomato paste, or red beet powder. If you have bell pepper powder, use a 2:1 ratio, as the bell peppers are very sweet and don't have the kick of sweet paprika.

Hungarian paprika is known for its fantastic flavor and vibrant red color. But what peppers are traditionally used to make this beloved spice in Hungary? Let’s dive into the classic choices and some accessible alternatives if you’re in the United States. Traditionally, Hungarian paprika is made from specific pepper varieties like Kalocsai and Szegedi. These peppers, part of the Capsicum annuum family, bring their own unique characteristics to the table. However, not all Capsicum annuum peppers are suitable for making paprika.

RECIPES WITH PAPRIKA

Applications:

Not surprisingly, capsaicin can be found in the fruit of capsicums. Capsicum is the genus of plants producing the fruits we call ‘peppers’. The term Capsicum is derived from the Greek κάπτω (kapto), meaning “to gulp.” This morphed into Latin capsa, meaning ‘case’, referring to the fact that peppers hold seeds.

Heat Level: Hot

Mortar and pestle: Get your inner chef vibes on and grab a mortar and pestle. Pop a handful of dried peppers in the mortar and use the pestle to crush and grind them into a fine powder.

Where to find it?