What kind of paprika is used in Polish cuisine?

[u/OldNavySuperFan]

I am joining a meal train for a coworker who is having surgery. We are both Americans of Polish descent. Unlike her, I unfortunately did not eat any Polish food growing up. However, I would like to make her a Polish dish to bring her some comfort during her recovery. The meal train is a secret so I can’t ask her this question.

I wanted to know what flavor of paprika is used in Polish cooking? Is it a sweet paprika, a smoked paprika, or a spicy paprika? I imagine it is nothing like an American generic paprika that doesn’t taste like anything.

[u/rybnickifull]

We don't really use it that much, but sometimes sweet and sometimes smoked. Depends entirely on what it is, and usually it's used in Hungarian style dishes.

[u/OldNavySuperFan]

I was thinking of this dish because gołąbki are so iconic but I do not have the dexterity nor the patience to make them 😅

https://polishfeast.com/polish-stuffed-cabbage-soup/

[u/biriyanibabka → u/OldNavySuperFan]

I make zupa gołąbkowa. Basically the same recipe and ingredients but different texture and technique . We live in Poland and I often make it for our house and older neighbours. It’s fuss free comfort food. I insist you make this for your friend.

Here is the recipe from my favourite Chef John . https://youtu.be/GwOdD4ZTUIc

In Polish cuisine, we mostly use smoked or sweet paprika depending on the recipe. Marjoram is main herb used in recipes.

[u/MyOthrCarsAThrowaway → u/biriyanibabka]

I’d piggyback on this and say bigos if we’re going easy and comfort, and paprika essence

[u/rybnickifull → u/OldNavySuperFan]

Yeah that's not a Polish food so it's going to be hard to advise. Probably smoked though.

[u/MyOthrCarsAThrowaway → u/rybnickifull]

Ex-fucking-scuse me? Gołabki aren’t Polish food? 🤣 How about bigos??

[u/rybnickifull → u/MyOthrCarsAThrowaway]

Maybe American bigos includes paprika, but we don't use it in Poland. But I've literally just been talking with my partner about how American Poles hate hearing that Polish culture isn't the same as American Polish, so thanks for the direct example.

And if you note, that's a recipe for a gołąbki inspired soup. Which isn't Polish in origin, it's clearly American.

[u/moosekielbasa]

Is there a specific dish in mind that you are looking to make? That would help narrow down which type of Paprika would be typically used in it.

Common Polish dishes that I can think of don't really use Paprika, though!

[u/MyOthrCarsAThrowaway]

Ok so slightly different take than other comments.

I grew up first generation American from Polish descent, and paprika was very popular and widely used in my household. From flavoring to garnish on sliced cheese even.

Smoked paprika was not a thing, or if it was, it was sacrilege. There was only ever one brand, and the container looks the same til this day. “Pride of Szeged.” Sweet paprika. It’s never not been in my pantry either. It goes in my Chili’s stews, on sandwiches… so subtle but such a flavor enhancer.

Here it is on amazon

Edit: yes it’s Hungarian. No I’m not also Hungarian. It’s wasn’t used heavily, just a dash or hint for warmth of flavor and color depth. You’d hardly be able to pick it out of a dish.

[u/CrimsonAsh96]

We used smoked paprika in my house growing up. But like others have said, make sure it suits the particular dish

[u/trysca]

Poles often eat gulasz with placki ziemniaczane even though it's originally Hungarian and would be eaten with langosz.