2.10.08

think spice ... think paprika!

this month i have the honor of hosting the wonderful spice event created by sunita over at sunita's world. "think spice" was actually the first ever blog event i ever participated in (garlic back in january) so it holds a special place in my little bloggy heart!


paprika is made by grinding dried red peppers into a fine powder, and the flavor can vary in spiciness. according to wiki, paprika originated in southern mexico, central america, and the antilles islands, where native americans used it for healing and seasoning. the plant was brought back to europe via trade routes. from there it arrived in hungary through the balkans. the name "paprika" came from the 18th century as a diminutive form for the south-slavic name of pepper ("papar").

the most popular and readily available paprika in the US is hungarian sweet paprika. there are other varieties of hungarian, as well as californian and spanish smoked paprika. the most common - but certainly not the only - cuisines that use paprika are hungarian, spanish, portuguese, and turkish.

have i whet your appetite for all thinks paprika?! ;-)

three simple things to join this event

1. create a dish that highlights paprika. it can be sweet or savory, vegan, vegetarian, or carnivorous!

2. post the dish and recipe by monday october 27. include any unique information or tips you might have about using paprika, or maybe any special memories you have about the spice or dish. include a link back to this post so that others can join, and a link back to sunita. feel free to use the logo in your post.

3. email me by the deadline: mimionthemove AT gmail DOT com. use "think spice" in the subject line and make sure to include your name, blog name, recipe, URL to your recipe post, and photo.

i can't wait to see what everyone makes! have fun and think paprika!

10 comments:

  1. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  2. What a lovely spice you've chosen...can't wait to see what everyone comes up with.

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  3. So does this include chilli powder? In India, we grind dry red chllies into a fine powder and we call it chilli powder. :)

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  4. chili powder and paprika are two different things. paprika usually means the grinding of sweet bell peppers. and chili powder is usually the red chili pepper. also here in the US, chili powder is ground red chilies, plus other spices like cumin, garlic, etc. i know that similiar spices and ingredients can be called different things in different languages and countries. and it could be possible that in india, it would be the same. try to see if you can find paprika, or at least a spice that is ground from bell peppers and not chilies.

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  5. Can we send already created posts"?? using paprika?

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  6. hi mahima! for this month's think spice, the post needs to be from october. hopefully you will still be able to join us!

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  7. Great choice! I love paprika - I've got four different kinds after a trip to Budapest!!

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  8. I just sent you my entry to the event. Please check out.

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  9. I too have sent you my post!

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  10. kittie: i went to budapest last summer and didn't pick up any! can't wait to see what you make!

    kitchen flavours and tamarind: i received both of your entries, thanks so much, they look fantastic!!

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