Paprika
pa·pri·ka
Origin: Mexico
Recipes:
When I think of paprika, I picture it being a hot spice because
of its red color. On the contrary, paprika comes from a variety of capsicum
annuum plants known as bell pepper which gives it a rather sweet flavor.
I have added paprika to a dish thinking it will give it some
kick but there’s usually very little flavor. That’s because there are different
varieties of paprika – who knew!
Sweet paprika powder can be sprinkled on deviled eggs, potato
salad or hummus to mainly give it a bit of color!
Now there are different types of capsicum peppers and
depending on the variety, the spice level can vary.
Smoked paprika, often known as pimento is mainly the Spanish
kind and is made by slow drying process over oak-burning fires. This one is more
of a smokey spice with a bit of sweet flavor. Check out this recipe for adding smoked
paprika to sweet potatoes – what a delicious combination!
And lastly there is Hot Paprika – now this one is more than just
color.
Paprika is used in many cuisines as Indian, Spanish, Turkish,
Moroccan and most commonly in Hungarian recipes. A fun fact, paprika is the
national spice of Hungary and used in goulash.
It is also a perfect spice to add to a rub to cook up some
meat if you want a bit of the spicy flavor.
Here’s a recipe for Paprika rubbed sheet tray chicken.
Don’t let the bright red color fool you, match the right
variety of paprika to the recipe.
Now for my favorite part, paprika and chocolate! This is a
perfect blend of dark rich flavor of chocolate with a bit of spice – unbelievable!
Even better is a Hungarian Hot Chocolate with hints of cloves, paprika and white pepper - heavenly bliss!
4 cups milk (the higher the milk fat percent the richer the drink)
1 teaspoon finely-ground Hungarian hot paprika
1/2 teaspoon finely-ground white pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
5 ounces 72% chocolate, chopped
In a saucepan over medium-low heat, combine milk, paprika, pepper, and cloves. Heat, stirring constantly, until almost boiling. Reduce heat to low and remove the cloves. Add the chocolate and stir in to the milk mixture until the chocolate is melted.
Whisk briskly to build a rich froth and pour into warm mugs and serve.
Makes 4 Servings.
Cures: Paprika does have some great health benefits as well. It is loaded with vitamins, minerals, carotenoids and antioxidants.
Paprika can be found in topical creams to and help heal wounds and relieve pain.
It can help maintain healthy eyes because it contains lutein and beta-carotene.
Paprika can reduce the risk of a heart attack and promote healthy circulation. It can also help promote sleep. One paprika hot chocolate coming right up!
1 teaspoon finely-ground Hungarian hot paprika
1/2 teaspoon finely-ground white pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
5 ounces 72% chocolate, chopped
In a saucepan over medium-low heat, combine milk, paprika, pepper, and cloves. Heat, stirring constantly, until almost boiling. Reduce heat to low and remove the cloves. Add the chocolate and stir in to the milk mixture until the chocolate is melted.
Whisk briskly to build a rich froth and pour into warm mugs and serve.
Makes 4 Servings.
Cures: Paprika does have some great health benefits as well. It is loaded with vitamins, minerals, carotenoids and antioxidants.
Paprika can be found in topical creams to and help heal wounds and relieve pain.
It can help maintain healthy eyes because it contains lutein and beta-carotene.
Paprika can reduce the risk of a heart attack and promote healthy circulation. It can also help promote sleep. One paprika hot chocolate coming right up!
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