Hungarian hot paprika
In southern Hungary, on the banks of the Danube, the village of Fajsz has lived to the rhythm of paprika for generations. This is where Dora, a committed producer, cultivates a remarkable spicy paprika, in the heart of a vast, natural landscape, between soft light and the river breeze.
Coming from the same lands and with the same care as our mild paprika, this hot paprika is distinguished by its balance between intensity and finesse. Its powder is fine, deep red, and its lively flavor doesn't seek to dominate, but rather to liven up dishes with precision. It stings, but without burning; it stimulates, without overwhelming.
Slowly dried and precisely ground, this spicy paprika releases bold, vibrant notes, ideal for enhancing sauces, vegetables, meats, or stews. A spice of character, rooted in Hungarian soil, rewarded for its quality and aromatic power.
Hungarian hot paprika
€5,10
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What is hot paprika?
Hot paprika is a spice made from dried and finely ground varieties of chili peppers with a brighter flavor. Contrary to the popular belief that all paprika is mild, some varieties develop a more pronounced heat while retaining rich, deep aromas.
Native to Central America, paprika has found deep roots in Hungary, where it is now considered a national culinary symbol. There are several types of paprika—sweet, smoked, hot—each with nuances of flavor, color, and intensity, depending on the cultivated varieties and processing methods.
Hot paprika is particularly appreciated for elegantly enhancing dishes without overwhelming other flavors. It adds warmth, aroma, and character to soups, sauces, vegetables, meats, and stews. A spice that is both intense and balanced, its quality depends heavily on the care taken in growing, drying, and grinding.
How to use hot paprika?
Hot paprika is a natural spice with a warm, deep, and slightly full-bodied flavor. Made from more intense pepper varieties, it adds strength and vibrancy to your dishes, while retaining the elegance of Hungarian paprika. A handcrafted spice that enhances without masking, and flavors without overpowering.
- To spice up your dishes: Ideal for intensifying a recipe, hot paprika brings heat and character to grilled meats, sauces, roasted vegetables, stews or marinades.
- As a finishing touch: Perfect for adding some pep to a plate: fried eggs, mashed potatoes, hummus, cream cheese, or even a pizza. It adds color and depth without being overpowering.
- In simmered dishes: It blends very well into soups, stews or long sauces, where it slowly diffuses its lively and deep aromas.
- In plant-based cuisine: Widely used as an alternative to smoky or meaty flavors, it subtly enhances dishes made with lentils, tofu, chickpeas or vegetables.
Hot Paprika Around the World – 5 Traditional Recipes:
🇭🇺 Hungary – Lecsó : vegetable stew of peppers, tomatoes and paprika, spiced with a spicy hint.
🇲🇽 Mexico – Chili sin carne : vegetarian version of chili, spiced with hot paprika.
🇪🇸 Spain – Homemade Chorizo : Chorizo paste is often seasoned with hot paprika.
🇹🇷 Turkey – Menemen : Scrambled eggs with tomatoes and peppers, seasoned with a dash of hot paprika.
🇺🇸 United States – Spicy BBQ Sauce : the essential spicy touch in homemade sauces.
Tips for using hot paprika:
Recommended Amount: Start with ½ to 1 teaspoon for 4 people. Its intensity is more pronounced than sweet paprika, so it's best to go gradually.
Cooking: Avoid frying over high heat: it can become bitter. Add it at the end of cooking or to a hot sauce to preserve all its aromas.
Spice combinations: Hot paprika goes very well with cumin , garlic , black pepper , coriander , sweet pepper , thyme or rosemary . Ideal for creating your own homemade blends .
Why choose this paprika? : Produced in Fajsz , Hungary, this hot paprika is award-winning for its quality . Carefully grown, dried, and ground, it offers balanced heat , intense color , and a deep, authentic flavor .
The benefits of paprika
In addition to bringing warmth, color and aroma to your dishes, sweet paprika offers several natural benefits , often overlooked.
Strengthens natural defenses
Thanks to the capsaicin it contains in small quantities, paprika supports the body against minor seasonal ailments .
Soothes joint pain
Studies suggest that regular consumption may help relieve certain inflammations , particularly in the joints.
Promotes blood circulation
Paprika contributes to good circulation , ideal if you are prone to heavy legs or poor irrigation.
Helps prevent anemia
Rich in iron , it helps transport oxygen throughout the body — especially if combined with other iron-rich foods (such as legumes or meats).
Source of natural potassium
Paprika also provides potassium , which is essential for the proper functioning of muscles, the heart and the nervous system.
Rich in antioxidants
Its vitamin E content gives it protective properties against oxidative stress , beneficial for the skin and cardiovascular health.
Vitamins B2 and B6
Vitamin B2 contributes to the health of mucous membranes and muscle tissue . Vitamin B6 supports the vitality of hair and scalp.
Dora now runs the family farm with energy and simplicity. She represents the fourth generation in a line of paprika producers, and has grown in step with the harvests and the seasons.
Over the years, she has inherited precise gestures, a keen eye for quality, and a deep knowledge of the plant. Decades of experience in growing and processing paprika have been passed down to her , with a true respect for traditional methods.
Smiling, demanding and fully invested , Dora ensures that each harvest produces a remarkable sweet paprika, renowned for its finesse and depth.
It is here, in Fajsz , a small village nestled in the south of Hungary, that this exceptional paprika grows. Very close to the Danube , the land is fertile, bathed in light, and surrounded by generous nature.
This peaceful place, where crops flourish between the river and the open sky, offers ideal conditions for paprika: a mild climate , rich soil , and a closeness to nature that is felt even in the intensity of the color and the finesse of the taste.
In Fajsz, the land is welcoming, the pace is calm, and the people are warm —elements that are reflected in every harvest.
Every year in September, the field comes alive. The harvest begins by hand , fruit by fruit, under the still-warm late summer sun. The peppers are then left to mature for six weeks , to develop their full aromatic richness.
Then comes the meticulous work: the stems are removed one by one, by hand , before the rest of the process. Here, nothing is automated ; each step relies on human gestures, experience, and attention to detail.
Blog Article
Among the jewels of Hungarian cuisine, Hungarian hot paprika is a must-have spice. Stronger than its mild cousin, it reveals a warm, yet not overpowering, intensity with a lively touch that energizes cooking. At Lokayah, our hot paprika is cultivated by hand in the village of Fajsz, in southern Hungary, then slowly dried before being finely ground. It seduces with its vibrant color, its smoky and fruity aromas, and its ability to warm dishes and the senses. It's a spice with character, yet balanced, that enhances without overpowering.
A terroir at the service of power
Grown in the fertile lands along the Danube River, Hungarian hot paprika draws its aromatic richness from a unique terroir. Farmers in the Fajsz region maintain traditional growing methods, sowing the red chilies in spring and harvesting them in late summer, when they have reached full maturity. The fruits are then carefully sorted and air-dried or sheltered, depending on weather conditions. This slow drying concentrates the peppers' essential oils, giving the paprika a bold yet elegant intensity. Each step of the process is guided by the eye and hand of passionate producers, guarantors of know-how passed down from generation to generation.
A taste that is lively, deep and subtle at the same time
Upon tasting, Hungarian hot paprika offers a gradual, never aggressive heat. It develops rich aromas of red fruit, sweet wood, and delicate smoke. On the palate, it reveals an underlying sweetness that balances its natural liveliness, leaving a comforting and slightly sweet sensation. This unique aromatic profile, both straightforward and nuanced, makes it particularly versatile: it spiced without dominating, enhanced without overwhelming. Far removed from industrially produced chilies, it offers a controlled rise in power that leaves room for subtlety and complexity.
How to use it in cooking
Hot paprika can be used in a multitude of dishes. It's a key ingredient in iconic Hungarian dishes like goulash, stews, and homemade sausages, but it also finds its place in vegetarian recipes, marinades, roasted vegetables, and soups. A spoonful added to hummus, chickpea puree, or tomato sauce instantly changes the depth of the dish. It pairs wonderfully with eggs, grilled meats, potatoes, and even stews. The secret to getting the most out of it? Add it at the end of cooking, or heat it gently in warm fat, such as oil or butter, to bring out all its flavors without altering its delicacy.
The natural benefits of hot paprika
Beyond its taste, hot paprika is also renowned for its nutritional properties. It contains capsaicin, an active molecule known for its stimulating effects on digestion and blood circulation. Rich in natural antioxidants such as carotenoids and vitamin E, it helps fight oxidative stress and supports the immune system. Paprika is also known for promoting better fat absorption, making it a valuable ally in healthy and gourmet cooking. It acts gently but effectively, providing warmth and vitality without excess.
Why choose Lokayah hot paprika?
At Lokayah, we have selected an artisanal hot paprika, produced by a passionate Hungarian family with whom we maintain a direct relationship. Free from additives, colors, and artificial flavors, our paprika is the result of patient and sincere work. Slowly dried to preserve its aromatic compounds, it is then carefully ground, respecting local traditions. Traceability is complete, and each batch comes from an identified harvest. By choosing our hot paprika, you support family farming, respectful of the soil and natural rhythms, and you discover a noble spice, rooted in a vibrant terroir.
In conclusion
Hungarian hot paprika embodies the controlled strength, benevolent warmth, and living tradition of a country in love with its spices. In the kitchen, it's a trusted companion: always present, never intrusive. At Lokayah, it symbolizes the alliance between power and elegance, between terroir and sensory demands. A true, rooted spice, ready to awaken your recipes and your taste buds with authenticity.
