Ethnic Spices: Paprika

June 12, 10:19 PMOmaha Ethnic Restaurants ExaminerMelissa Aden

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The various shapes and colors of the capsicum fruit.

Ethnicities that use this spice:
Mexican, Spanish, Hungarian, American, French, Middle Eastern, Austrian

Health Benefits:
With unusually high levels of vitamin C, the Capsicum bell peppers that paprika is derived from contain up to nine times as much vitamin C as tomatoes. Heat zaps the vitamins from peppers, so look for paprika made from sun-dried peppers instead of commercially-dried. Paprika also contains high antioxidant levels.

Overview:
Made from grinding dried Capsicum bell peppers, paprika is more than that spice grandma sprinkles over her deviled eggs or potato salad. It is used in ethnic dishes the world over to add color and flavor. Ranging from a bright orange color to a deep red, color depends on the pepper used.

Ground Paprika

Commercial paprika is primarily made in Spain, South America, California, and Hungary, and the flavor of each country’s paprika differs due to ethnic preferences. Hungarian paprika, considered the finest and most popular, comes in six types ranging from light and delicate to very hot. Spanish paprika, also called pimentón, is super spicy and sweet, and sometimes has a smoky flavor. It is traditionally used in sausage recipes like chorizo and sobrasada. Californian paprika is best known for its deep red color, making it the most aesthetically pleasing. Because of this, it’s used more for looks than taste.

Paprika adds great flavor and color to rice dishes, stews, soups, and tastes great mixed with vegetables (try it on potatoes or cauliflower), meats and seafood (try it on crab, shellfish, steak, or pork chops).

How to store it:
Since Paprika deteriorates quickly, only purchase small quantities at a time and store in a cool, dark place for no more than six months.

Where to get it:
Readily available year-round, it can be found at any grocery store. If you don’t prefer a lot of heat, check the label. Some manufacturers add cayenne pepper to their paprika mix to increase spiciness.

To purchase online, click here.

Great paprika recipes:

Grilled Paprika Pork Chops

Paprika Chicken Wings

Hungarian Chicken Paprika (aka Chicken Paprikash)

Grilled Yukon Gold Potato Salad with Red Pepper-Smoked Paprika Mayonnaise
 

Check out this video on interesting ways to incorporate Spanish paprika into everyday foods. 

 Click here to see all articles on Ethnic Spices.