Vegetarian recipes that prove paprika makes everything better
What's the story
Paprika is a versatile spice that can add a rich flavor and vibrant color to several vegetarian dishes. Its smoky, sweet, or hot notes can elevate the simplest of ingredients into something extraordinary. Here are five vegetarian recipes that highlight the magic of paprika, each offering a unique taste experience. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, these recipes are easy to follow and delicious.
Dish 1
Paprika-roasted vegetables
Roasting vegetables with paprika brings out their natural sweetness and adds depth. Toss your favorite veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots in olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika. Roast them in the oven at 200 degrees Celsius for about 30 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized. This dish goes well with grains or as a side to any meal.
Dish 2
Creamy paprika pasta
For a comforting pasta dish with a twist, cook your choice of pasta according to package instructions. In another pan, saute garlic in olive oil until fragrant. Add crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika to create a creamy sauce. Toss the pasta in this sauce and garnish with fresh parsley for an aromatic finish.
Dish 3
Spicy paprika hummus
Spice up your hummus game by adding paprika into the mix! Blend chickpeas with tahini paste, lemon juice, garlic cloves, olive oil, cumin powder, salt, and red chili flakes (if you like it spicy) until smooth. Then fold in some smoked paprika for flavor enhancement before serving it chilled with pita bread or vegetable sticks.
Dish 4
Paprika lentil soup
A hearty lentil soup infused with paprika is perfect for cooler days. Sauté onions and carrots in olive oil until soft. Add lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, bay leaves, thyme, salt, pepper, and generous amounts of sweet smoked paprika. Simmer until lentils are tender. Remove bay leaves before serving hot, garnished with chopped cilantro or parsley.
Dish 5
Stuffed bell peppers with paprika rice filling
For stuffed bell peppers, cook rice and mix it with black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and a generous amount of sweet smoked paprika. Fill halved bell peppers with this mixture, bake at 180 degrees Celsius for 25 minutes, and enjoy a flavorful, nutritious, and satisfying meal.