This spice has been thoroughly incorporated into Hungarian culture. There are eight paprika flavor and appearance profiles in Hungary; they range from különleges, sweet and mild, and a brilliant red, to erős, which is spicy and a dusky orange-brown color that can be as hot as the hottest jalapeno. Paprika marketed in the US as Hungarian Sweet Paprika is usually classified as édesnemes paprika; fiery red, but with a mellow flavor and just a touch of pungency.  

One of the most popular ways to use dried red pepper pods in Chinese cooking is to create chili oil. This spicy, aromatic oil is made by infusing dried red pepper pods, along with spices like Sichuan peppercorns and star anise, in hot oil. The result is a fragrant and flavorful condiment that adds a delicious kick to dishes like noodles, stir-fries, and dumplings.

In summary, paprika and paprika powder are generally used interchangeably to refer to the ground spice made from dried red peppers. Whether it's sweet, hot, or smoked, paprika powder adds flavor, color, and sometimes heat to a wide range of dishes, making it a popular and versatile spice in many culinary traditions.

Food processor: Let the food processor do the heavy lifting! Add the dried peppers to the bowl and give it a whirl in short bursts until you’ve got the paprika powder of your dreams. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides for an even grind!

Hot sauce, in its most basic form, is a spicy condiment made from chili peppers. The origins of hot sauce date back to the ancient Aztecs, who believed in the medicinal value of chilies. They would mash up the chilies into a paste and mix it with water and other ingredients to create a rudimentary form of what we know today as hot sauce.

Heat Level: Hot

How to Dry Paprika Peppers: Methods for Preserving Flavor and Aroma