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Paprika is a powdered spice that is made from red peppers. It has a distinct taste that may be somewhat sweet, smoky, or spicy even. It is a popular ingredient that is used as a primary flavoring in Hungarian cuisine and many other cuisines around the world.
Also, there are different variants of paprika out there, and sweet Hungarian paprika is one of them. Hungarian paprika has a rich and complex flavor. It is made with dried sweet peppers that are grounded and sifted to produce a powder that is very fine in texture and bright in color.
Most of us have been through the same experience where a recipe asks for Hungarian paprika and since it is made from red peppers, we simply add red chili powder. This is not the right approach as the two taste completely different. It can affect the flavor of the recipe.
Sometimes, it does get really hard to find sweet Hungarian paprika in grocery stores. In such a case it is good to know a few substitutes that will help maintain the original paprika flavor of the dish closely enough.
There are many substitutes that have a similar taste to this particular type of paprika and can be used instead.
How Is Hungarian Paprika Different Than Regular Paprika?
Hungarian paprika and regular paprika are not the same in terms of flavor. The flavor of any paprika depends on the type of pepper used and the process involved in making it. Regular paprika is milder and has a subtle flavor.
It may have a very bright crimson color perfect for garnishing and adding color to any meal. Authentic Hungarian paprika, on the other hand, has a deeper flavor that is considerably more complex than the regular one. It’s also a tad bit spicier.
Sweet Hungarian Paprika Substitutes
Contrary to usual belief, sweet Hungarian paprika doesn’t actually taste sweet. The term “sweet” is only added to the name to differentiate it from the hot paprika which is extremely hot and spicy.
Sweet Hungarian paprika also makes for an amazing garnish with intense flavor. It can be garnished on pasta, eggs, pasta salads, fish, and baked chicken.
However, it may be hard to find in some stores, but it can be substituted with other ingredients to acquire either a similar taste or color. Because of its unique flavor profile, keep in mind that you can’t expect “exactly” the same flavor when you substitute it with something else.
- Sweet Paprika
Sweet paprika and sweet Hungarian paprika are not the same. They have distinct flavors but sweet paprika can be used as a substitute for sweet Hungarian paprika because of its vibrant color.
It can be used as a garnish on salads and eggs just like you would use Hungarian paprika. In addition, it can be used for adding flavor to the meat rub too. It has a slightly sweeter flavor, but don’t expect a lot of heat from this.
In addition, it can be mixed with smoked paprika if you want to add more heat to the dish. Using the mix will add slight smokiness and heat to the recipe.
- Spicy Paprika
It’s obvious that not all types of paprika are the same, but they can come close to other types of paprika in terms of flavor for sure. Spicy paprika has more of a kick to it as compared to the Hungarian paprika.
Nevertheless, sweet Hungarian paprika can be replaced with spicy paprika in the majority of cases. However, it will add some zing to the recipe, so it is best to use it less than the quantity specified in a recipe for the Hungarian paprika in most recipes.
- Mixture of Peppers
Paprika is generally made from chili or bell peppers which are blended in powdered form. However, they are is blended without the seeds and veins. If you are out of sweet Hungarian paprika, then you can use any spice with a pepper base.
However, it will change the flavor a bit and might also add a slightly sweet profile to the recipe.
- Mace
If you want a proper substitute for sweet Hungarian paprika, you can opt for mace. However, keep in mind that mace can only substitute sweet Hungarian paprika in chili.
The garlic powder is the easiest choice for people who want to substitute sweet Hungarian paprika. You probably already know that garlic powder has a sharp and distinct flavor.
It is usually made by drying the garlic and blending it into a powdered form and can be used instead of paprika to improve the flavor of the recipe.
However, make sure that it is used in moderation as many people are not fond of the garlicky taste and smell, and consider it unpleasant. So, it’s important not to add too much of it. With garlic powder, a little goes a long way.
- Nutmeg
In case you are making potato salad or deviled eggs but don’t have sweet Hungarian paprika, you can choose nutmeg. Nutmeg is the ground spice that is widely available in supermarkets. Some people even use nutmeg for medicinal purposes.
It has a slightly sweet flavor, so you must add it sparingly. It can add an orangey color to the dishes like the color of paprika. It would be best to use it as an alternative in recipes with milk and cheese.
- Red Pepper Flakes
Red pepper flakes have a spicy and warm flavor. Sometimes, there is a bit of smokiness to them also, similar to paprika. The flakes are spicier than Hungarian paprika, and the spiciness depends on the manufacturer’s specifications.
Therefore, in case you are substituting red pepper flakes with Hungarian paprika, it is best to use it in small quantities. However, it may not be able to give a similar color to the dish as Hungarian paprika does.
- Cloves
Yes, cloves are suitable for replacing sweet Hungarian paprika with the depth of flavor that they add to the dish. It is best to use grounded cloves or powdered cloves for adding flavor to the recipe.
It can generally replace sweet Hungarian paprika for seasoning the meat and adding spice to the curries. Moreover, it also makes for a fine addition to baking recipes.
- Black Pepper
We are pretty sure that you have black pepper lying around in the kitchen, and it makes for a fine substitute for sweet Hungarian paprika. Black pepper will add heat and spice to the recipes, just like Hungarian paprika does.
However, it cannot replace sweet Hungarian paprika in every recipe, though it goes fine with fried rice.
If you cannot use black pepper or aren’t cooking fried rice, you can opt for cayenne pepper. The best thing about cayenne pepper is that it has a similar color and texture to sweet Hungarian paprika. It will help add that bright color to your dish.
However, it can be pretty hot as compared to paprika, so use less in terms of quantity. In simpler words, add a pinch! That would be more than enough. To tone the spiciness down a bit and make it sweet, you can mix it with other spices or add cream.
- Cajun Spice Seasoning
The main ingredient in Cajun spice seasoning is the cayenne pepper itself, which is a substitute mentioned previously. Along with cayenne, it has black and white pepper too. In case you are unable to get sweet Hungarian paprika, this seasoning would be an ideal substitute for it.
- Chipotle Chilies
This is a common ingredient in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisines around the globe. Chipotle chilies are made from jalapeno peppers and acquire a hotter and spicier taste from the drying and smoking process.
The stimulating complex flavor of these chilies can substitute Hungarian paprika in many recipes. However, make sure to use it in smaller quantities since it may be hotter than Hungarian paprika.
- Aleppo Pepper
Though it is not a very accurate substitute for Hungarian paprika, Aleppo pepper can be used to add a bit of heat to any dish. However, it is a spice used commonly in Middle Eastern cuisine so it might not be available everywhere.
Final Thoughts
Sweet Hungarian paprika has a complex flavor that does wonders to any dish it is added to. However, it might not be available at every grocery store and therefore may need to be substituted with other options.
There are many substitutes mentioned that can be used in its place. Some might give a similar kick to the dish and some might give it a color similar to that of Hungarian paprika.