What is paprika?

Paprika is a ground spice that is made from the dried fruits of Capsicum annuum — either bell peppers or chili peppers, or a combination of both. Although paprika is commonly associated with European cuisine, it is actually native to South America. Paprika was introduced to Europe by Christopher Columbus, after he discovered chillies in the New World in 1492, and it then spread to the Middle East and beyond. Today, paprika is largely produced in Hungary, Serbia and Spain, and is used in a variety of cuisines around the world including Hungarian (goulash), Spanish (chorizo and stews) and Indian (curries and tandoori mixes). According to “The Spice Bible”, there are many varieties of paprika that are graded based on the type of pepper used, the amount of heat-bearing seeds included in the grind, and the grinding process itself. As a result, paprika is available in a wide range of grades that impact both color and taste.

What does paprika look like?

Paprika ranges in color from red to brown, however the bright red variety is the most popular. In fact, food manufacturers sometimes use paprika as a natural source of food coloring. Paprika’s deep red color makes it a favorable garnish on a variety of dishes from deviled eggs to grilled chicken to Indian raita.

What does paprika taste like?

Paprika ranges in taste from mild and sweet, to smokey and spicy. Regardless of the variety, paprika’s flavor is enhanced when it is heated in oil. The popular bright red variety of paprika has a woody, earthy aroma and adds a mild, sweet flavor to a dish. Paprika is a main spice in Indian cuisine. If you’re interested in how different spices flavor an Indian dish, read more on the 6 Key Elements of Taste in Indian Cuisine.

You might already have paprika in your cupboard. It comes in many varieties from sweet to smoky, depending on what kind of dish you’re making.

How can I use paprika in cooking?

You might already have paprika in your cupboard for making stews, goulash, or sprinkling on deviled eggs. Paprika is one of the 10 ground spices you need for basic Indian cooking, where it is used as both a seasoning and a garnish.

Which Big Apple Curry recipes feature paprika?

Paprika can be used in cooking the following authentic Indian dishes:

Indian-style Grilled Chicken
Indian Raita
Chicken Curry

The 5-10-5 Rule

To make a variety of authentic Indian dishes at home, you need a few key things in your pantry and fridge. In the course of teaching my husband Sean the basics of Indian cooking, I created The 5-10-5 Rule – a useful cheat sheet on the main aromatics, ground spices, whole spices, and herbs you need in your kitchen.

10 key ground spices for Indian cooking — starting from top left to right: cumin, coriander, sugar, curry powder, PAPRIKA, salt/pepper, garam masala, turmeric, and red chilli flakes