Spice

Hungarian Sweet Paprika

S tier

Hungarian sweet paprika is the soul of goulash and paprikash—bright, fruity-sweet, and fragrant when fresh, with grades from special quality (különleges) downward. It should smell like dried sweet peppers, not cardboard. Heat is low; colour is vivid brick-red. Add off a raging boil so it does not scorch. Classic with lard or oil, onion, and caraway. Buy from reputable mills in Szeged or Kalocsa when possible and replace often.