Paprika

Ground dried peppers ranging from mild and sweet to smoked and hot depending on the type — sweet is the default unless a recipe specifies smoked or hot. Adds color as much as flavor in a lot of dishes.

Paprika

Used for

  • rubs
  • stews
  • roasted vegetables
  • garnish

In the kitchen

  • bloom briefly in oil to deepen the flavor and color
  • check whether a recipe wants sweet, smoked, or hot — they aren't interchangeable
  • sprinkle at the end for color on lighter dishes like deviled eggs

Picking it at the store

  • Smoked (pimentón) and sweet paprika taste completely different — don't substitute one for the other without checking which the recipe means
  • Ground paprika loses potency within about a year; a dull, faded color is a sign it's stale

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