Add a smoky, flavorful twist to your dishes with this easy-to-make freeze-dried paprika! Grilling the peppers first or tossing them with liquid smoke before freeze-drying gives your paprika that extra depth of flavor. Perfect for seasoning meats, stews, and sauces, this homemade paprika will elevate your meals year-round.
Ingredients:
- 10-12 red bell peppers or sweet peppers
- 1 tablespoon liquid smoke (optional)
- Olive oil for grilling (optional)
- Sea salt (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Peppers
- Grill Method: Lightly coat the peppers with olive oil and grill them on high heat until the skin is charred and blistered, about 5-7 minutes per side. This will give your paprika a rich, smoky flavor. Remove from the grill and let cool slightly.
- Liquid Smoke Method: If you don’t want to grill, simply toss the raw peppers with 1 tablespoon of liquid smoke to infuse them with that desired smokiness.
Step 2: Peel and Slice
- Once grilled, peel off the charred skins of the peppers. Then, remove the seeds and slice the peppers into thin strips.
Step 3: Freeze-dry the Peppers
- Arrange the pepper slices evenly across your freeze dryer trays. Make sure they are not overlapping to allow for even drying.
- Pre-freeze the trays in your freezer overnight to prepare for freeze-drying.
Step 4: Freeze Dry the Peppers
- Load the pre-frozen pepper trays into your CUBE home freeze dryer. Start the drying cycle according to your machine’s instructions.
Step 5: Grind into Paprika
- Once fully freeze-dried, remove the peppers from the trays and grind them into a fine powder using a spice grinder or blender. For a finer texture, sift the powder through a mesh strainer.
Step 6: Store
- Store your freeze-dried paprika in an airtight jar or vacuum-sealed bag. Keep in a cool, dark place for maximum freshness.
Use and Enjoy
Sprinkle your homemade freeze-dried paprika on roasted vegetables, grilled meats, soups, or stews for an extra layer of smoky, sweet flavor!
This recipe gives you a healthier, fresher alternative to store-bought paprika, all made with your CUBE home freeze dryer. With a shelf life of years when properly stored, you’ll always have flavorful paprika on hand!
