Curious Facts

What is paprika used for?

By Adriana sanchez - 2023-07-13T14:07:22Z
If you have wondered what paprika is and what it is used for, you have come to the right place as we will explain everything about this important spice that adds so much flavor to our favorite dishes. What is paprika? Paprika is a seasoning originating from Hungary that has been adopted in various countries over time. In South America, it is known as ground chili and is obtained from the process of drying and grinding bell peppers. Generally, we can find 3 different types of paprika: spicy, sweet, and smoked. Its flavor varies depending on the type of pepper used to make it, as well as its color and the region where it is harvested. You might also be interested in: How to make Cajun shrimpWhat is paprika used for? Originally, paprika was used to prepare Hungarian dishes such as fish soup, chicken soup, and the traditional goulash, of which it is one of the main ingredients. However, being adopted in different countries of Asia, Europe, and America, its uses expanded. Currently, we can find different nuances of paprika depending on the region where it is found, but broadly speaking, and returning to its three main flavors, we can find that spicy paprika is used to season proteins like red meat, chicken, and even fish. Meanwhile, sweet paprika enhances the flavor of rice, soups, and sweet-sour dishes, while smoked paprika is ideal for enhancing the flavor of some stews prepared with sausages, such as chorizo. You might also be interested in: Beer can chicken What is the difference between paprika and cayenne pepper?If you thought paprika and cayenne pepper were the same, it's time to reveal the truth: paprika and cayenne pepper are 2 different ingredients. It is very common to confuse them because both have a spicy flavor, but they are obtained in different ways and from different places.As mentioned earlier, paprika comes from Hungary and has a sweet, smoky, or slightly spicy flavor because it is made from bell peppers, while cayenne pepper gets its name from the city of Cayenne, in French Guiana, and is the result of grinding much spicier red chilies, resulting in a spice with a much stronger and more intense flavor. Recipes with paprika If you have paprika in your pantry, try these three recipes with it: 1. Honey mustard chicken2. Shrimp with pico de gallo 3. BabaganoushNow that you know what paprika is used for, in which recipes will you use it?