Spice that's characteristic of Hungarian cooking

PAPRIKA

This vibrant red powder comes from dried and ground peppers, often adding a sweet or smoky depth to goulash and other stews.

This clue points to paprika, the vibrant red spice made from dried and ground peppers, which is a staple in Hungarian cuisine. It’s the key ingredient in dishes like goulash and chicken paprikash, giving them their distinctive flavor and color. The word itself comes from the Hungarian "paprika," which originally meant "pepper," reflecting its deep ties to the country’s culinary traditions. No wordplay here—just a straightforward reference to a well-known spice.