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.
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.
Related terms
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