Paprika is made from dried and ground peppers, typically from the Capsicum annuum species, such as bell peppers or chili peppers. The peppers are harvested, dried—often smoked in some varieties—and then ground into a fine powder. The flavor and heat vary depending on the pepper type and preparation, ranging from sweet and mild to spicy and smoky.
Your story resonates deeply with the struggle to feel “enough” in a judgmental environment. Delphina’s kitchen, with its faded sunflower wallpaper and heavy air of superiority, mirrors the kind of place where small moments—like not knowing about paprika—can cut deep. Your journey from that stifling space to finding confidence through cooking and community is inspiring. It’s a reminder of the lesson from the earlier post: kindness, not criticism, builds a table worth sitting at. You’ve built yours, and it sounds like a place where anyone would feel welcome.
If you’d like, I can search for more details about paprika varieties or even suggest some paprika-based recipes to add to your café menu. Just let me know!