But when it comes to defining Hungarian cuisine, you may find yourself at a loss for words. That is because it is a combination of a thousand different types of flavors. You will find traditional Hungarian dishes that are extremely simple and fresh, while others are laden with aromatics and spice for flavor and color. Here, our focus is going to be on the latter kind of traditional Hungarian food. However, many people do not know that there are many different types of paprika. In fact, you may have been using a different kind every time and never have been any wiser. All the varieties of paprika pepper have a different heat level as well as flavor profile. One of the most rich and complex of the varieties belongs to the famed Hungarian Paprika. It is made with dried sweet peppers that are ground up and sifted to give a very fine, bright red or pale orange powder. Sprinkle it over devilled eggs to add color and flavor, use it to season your chicken and veggies, or add it to your rice and curries for a gorgeous hue. It can also be added to salsas, sauces, soups, and stews for a beautiful, bright color like that of a paella. Certain smokier kinds of Hungarian Paprika are preferred for dry rubs for delicious barbecues and meat dishes for adding a smoky flavor. It is also classically added to special Spanish sausages called chorizos. You will find everything from a mild, aromatic paprika that adds a unique, sweet flavor, to a deep, red hot one that will truly smoke your senses. These varieties are best appreciated in Hungary based stores or specialty stores that feature Hungarian spices and groceries. It has a very pungent peppery flavor that is mildly spicy and provides a very unique sweetness that tastes wonderful in most foods and dishes, especially if you are planning on indulging in some homemade Hungarian cuisine. This is also labelled as Sweet Hungarian Paprika in some locations and brands. Other substitutes include chili powder and red chili flakes. If you are trying to emulate the flavor of Sweet Hungarian Paprika, add a pinch of sugar to bring out the sweet flavor. You might also try Piros Arany, which is a Hungarian chili paste, depending on your recipe. Here are the facts: regular paprika and Hungarian Paprika are not the same thing. The concept of paprika is a spice mixture that has some level of heat as it is made from dried and crushed up peppers. Depending on what kind of peppers are used in the process, the heat level and flavor profile of each kind of paprika varies. You have hot paprikas that are fiery and add amazing levels of heat. On the other hand, you also have sweet paprikas that are relatively mild and give a sweet and sour kind of flavor to the food. Regular paprika is more of the latter kind. It tends to be mild in regards to the spiciness and has a relatively subtle flavor as well. It does, however, have a very bright and eye catching crimson color that is perfect for garnishing and adding color to any dish. Authentic Hungarian style Paprika, as we have already discussed, is deeper and more complex and tends to go all out in terms of spice in the more intense varieties.
