Smoked Sweet Paprika, Capsicum annuum, is a mild chile powder that measures just 100-250 Scoville Heat Units (SHU). It is also referred to as Spanish smoked paprika, sweet smoked paprika, or best-smoked paprika. It has a premium-level 120 ASTA value.

Closely related to its cousin Hungarian Sweet Paprika, this Spanish paprika chile has been dried, smoked over wood fires, de-seeded, and then slowly ground into a powder. Because the seeds have been removed, this ground chile pepper does not have the bitter undertones found when the seeds have been left in and then ground.

Smoke Sweet Paprika has complex flavors and smoky undertones that are extremely desirable in dishes that call for that flavor but don't have much heat. Smoked Paprika is a forgiving spice, so you may need more than you think to get a huge depth of flavor. It's perfect for those times when you're just looking for some subtle smokiness, though!

Please visit our paprika page to browse the varieties of paprika available.

Flavor Profile

Smoked Sweet Paprika is rich in chile flavor and has complexity and depth thanks to its smoky undertones.

Heat Level

These chiles are considered a mild heat chile and come it at 100 to 250 Scoville Heat Units (SHU).

How to Use

Smoked Paprika is customarily used in making Spanish sausage such as chorizo. It's used in Andalusian cuisine and added to berza, which is a thick black bean soup, fish dishes, ham hocks, and a red pepper sauce called romesco, and a black sausage dish called morcilla. This is a key spice in sofrito, a base used in many Spanish recipes.

In the United States, many competition barbecuers use Smoked Sweet Paprika as a secret ingredient in their pork rubs. It's a good chile powder to use with beans, beef and lamb stews, casseroles, and chicken.

Smoked Paprika is added to meatloaf, vegetables, rice, homemade sauces, soups, salad dressings, egg dishes, and other nightshade family members, especially potatoes and tomatoes.

Smoked Paprika pairs well with allspice, caraway, cardamom, garlic, ginger, oregano, parsley, pepper, rosemary, saffron, thyme, and turmeric.

Some of our favorite recipes using Smoked Sweet Paprika are Sweet Pepper Relish, Grilled Home Fries, and Patatas Bravas.