Smoked Paprika
Hungarian paprika is known for its fantastic flavor and vibrant red color. But what peppers are traditionally used to make this beloved spice in Hungary? Let’s dive into the classic choices and some accessible alternatives if you’re in the United States. Traditionally, Hungarian paprika is made from specific pepper varieties like Kalocsai and Szegedi. These peppers, part of the Capsicum annuum family, bring their own unique characteristics to the table. However, not all Capsicum annuum peppers are suitable for making paprika.

Tip: If you’d like to reduce the heat, slit them open and remove the seeds because the seeds have the most heat in them. Mince the chillies or put them in the food processor. However, don’t make it a very fine paste. Keep it chunky for texture.