Erős Pista 200g - Hot Paprika Sauce

Erős Pista is an authentic Hungarian raw crushed hot paprika paste: a lively, spicy condiment for goulash, soups, sauces, rich stews and everyday cooking.

What Is Erős Pista?

Erős Pista is a much-loved Hungarian hot paprika paste, made with coarsely crushed raw hot peppers rather than dried paprika powder. Its visible pieces of pepper give it a more rustic texture, fresh pepper flavour and gentle crunch alongside its heat.

Made with 87% raw crushed hot paprika, Erős Pista has a bright, savoury character that brings more than heat alone. It is a classic table condiment in Hungary, found in home kitchens, restaurants and canteens, ready to be stirred into a dish or added to taste at the table.

It is hot but not extreme, at around 1,000 Scoville Heat Units. For significantly more heat, try Haragos Pista. For the same distinctive paprika character without the burn, choose Édes Anna.

How to Use Erős Pista

Use Erős Pista whenever a dish needs a quick hit of fiery red-pepper flavour. Try it in:

• rich beef goulash, creamy chicken paprikash, smoky lecsó, comforting stuffed cabbage and warming fish soup
• hearty broths, chicken soup, vegetable stews, casseroles and slow-cooked dishes
• tomato sauces, curries and marinades for extra colour, warmth and savoury depth
• scrambled eggs, toasties, pizza and stir-fries for an easy spicy kick
• tacos, wraps and burgers where its punchy paprika heat works especially well with rich fillings
• mayonnaise, sour cream or yoghurt to make a creamy, spicy dip with a distinctly Hungarian flavour

A Simple Cooking Tip

Start with half a teaspoon, taste, then add more if needed. Erős Pista is preserved with salt, so reduce the additional salt in your recipe until you have tasted the finished dish.

For a rich Hungarian-style base, cook onion gently in oil, add a little Erős Pista and Hungarian paprika, then add your meat, vegetables or stock. The paste blooms in the warm oil, building colour, heat and savoury depth from the start.

Where Does It Come From?

Erős Pista is made by Univer, a Hungarian-owned food producer based in Kecskemét and founded in 1948. Its paprika products have become fixtures of Hungarian kitchens, with Erős Pista and Piros Arany among the company’s best-known creations.

Its name is part of the appeal: erős means hot or strong in Hungarian, while Pista is a familiar nickname for István. The lively illustrated jar and its coarsely crushed pepper texture have made Erős Pista instantly recognisable to generations of Hungarian food lovers.

Unlike a smooth chilli sauce, Erős Pista is a proper paprika condiment, with visible pepper pieces and a full, savoury heat that feels at home in both traditional Hungarian cooking and everyday modern dishes.

Product Details

Ingredients

Raw crushed hot paprika (87%), salt, thickener: xanthan gum; acid: citric acid; preservative: potassium sorbate.

Dietary information: Naturally vegan and gluten-free.

Origin: Hungary.
Storage: Store in a cool, dry place. Refrigerate after opening and use within the period stated on the jar.

Nutritional Information

Typical values per 100g:

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Erős Pista taste like?

Erős Pista tastes of fresh, savoury hot red pepper with a noticeable but manageable heat. Because the peppers are coarsely crushed, it has more texture and a more rustic character than a smooth chilli sauce.

How spicy is Erős Pista?

It is hot, but not an extreme chilli product, at around 1,000 Scoville Heat Units. Start with a small amount and build the heat gradually. For a much hotter option, choose Haragos Pista.

Is Erős Pista the same as paprika powder?

No. Paprika powder is dried and ground, while Erős Pista is made with raw crushed hot peppers. It is best used as a flavourful, spicy paste alongside paprika powder, rather than as a direct replacement for it.

Why is Erős Pista high in salt?

Salt preserves the raw crushed peppers and helps give the product its long shelf life. Use it in small amounts and reduce the extra salt you add to the rest of your recipe.

Can I use Erős Pista in goulash and chicken paprikash?

Yes. It is excellent in goulash, chicken paprikash, lecsó, soups and stews, adding a more pronounced hot-pepper character. Add a little at a time so the heat does not overpower the dish.

What is the difference between Erős Pista, Édes Anna and Haragos Pista?

Erős Pista is the classic hot version with a lively, savoury pepper heat. Édes Anna is mild and sweet-paprika led, while Haragos Pista is made for anyone who wants a much hotter chilli kick.