Paprika and bell peppers are both members of the Capsicum annuum species. While they are closely related, they have distinct differences that set them apart.
Now, if you're on the hunt for bell pepper powder, make sure you choose a product made from yellow or orange bell peppers. Yes, red bell peppers resemble paprika in terms of color, but they're the sweetest variety because they're the ripest.
But what if you can’t find these traditional Hungarian peppers? Don’t worry! An excellent alternative that you can easily find in the US is the Sweet Hungarian or Sweet Banana pepper. These elongated peppers share similarities with their Hungarian counterparts and have a mild, slightly sweet flavor. You can usually find them at local grocery stores or farmers’ markets, making them a convenient choice for homemade “Hungarian” paprika.
If you can’t find fresh red chillies, just use the good old dried red chillies. Soak the dried chillies in warm water to rehydrate them and then grind them up. When your sauce is ready, you should see tiny pieces of chilli and minced garlic floating around. These little bits are the life of the sauce.


