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SMART SHOPPING: Paprika

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“Paprika” is a generic term for a spice made from ground dried red peppers that is available in several forms. Sweet paprika (also called “Hungarian paprika,” or simply “paprika”) is the most common. Typically made from a combination of mild red peppers, it is prized more for its deep scarlet hue than for its very subtle flavor. Smoked paprika, a Spanish favorite, is produced by drying sweet or hot peppers over smoldering oak embers. We don’t recommend using this variety for all paprika applications; it is best for seasoning grilled meats or adding a smoky aroma to boldly flavored dishes. Hot paprika, most often used in chilis, curries, and stews, can range from slightly spicy to punishingly assertive. Although hot paprika shouldn’t be substituted for sweet paprika in cooking, sweet paprika can be substituted for hot by adding cayenne pepper.