Heat Level: Medium





Indian chili powder is pure red chili powder, but it also comes with different spice and heat profiles. It may be bright red like the Kashmiri chili which does not have much heat, but adds color to the dishes. Or it may be hot, spicy and pungent, with colors ranging from dull red to brownish red.
CAYENNE PEPPER
Compared to other substitutes in this list, bell peppers are generally sweet, mild, and tangy which somewhat fits the description of sweet paprika. When using this as a backup, note that your dish will have an intriguing yet bright flavor profile that better suits pasta, chicken, salads, and soup recipes. To add to its impressive list of qualities, it’s also incredibly aromatic that adds overall allure to the dish.
Paprika spice is categorized based on its heat level, color intensity, and processing method. Hungarian paprika is renowned for its quality and variety, ranging from delicate to hot, with a spectrum of flavors in between. Spanish paprika, or pimentón, offers smoked varieties that elevate dishes with its distinctive smoky aroma and flavor. Paprika spice blends, such as sweet and spicy combinations, provide versatility for diverse culinary creations.


The Heat Factor
The flavor and heat level of paprika can vary depending on the type of pepper used. Sweet paprika is made from sweet red peppers, such as bell peppers, and has a mild, sweet flavor with little to no heat. On the other hand, hot paprika is made from hotter varieties of red peppers, such as cayenne or chili peppers, and has a spicier, more intense flavor.