Paprika is made by grinding dried red peppers into a fine powder, and can vary in spiciness. Most supermarkets and Eastern European markets carry "sweet" and "hot" varieties; while hot paprika primarily adds heat to a dish, the sweet (milder) variety can add a more nuanced, almost fruity element, depending on its quality. Look for paprika in jars or decorated tins in the spice section. Don't confuse it with pimentón, smoked Spanish paprika. Many good brands of paprika come from Hungary, where paprika is commonly used as an ingredient in dishes like paprikás; in the U.S., paprika is often sprinkled on deviled eggs, hash browns, and other dishes for color and flavor.
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