Pastes are concentrated forms of flavor, built by grinding or blending ingredients into a dense, cohesive base. Whether smooth or slightly textured, they carry a high ratio of solids to liquid, allowing them to deliver intensity in small amounts.

What defines a paste is its depth and focus. Ingredients like tomatoes, chiles, garlic, or fermented beans are reduced or processed until their flavors become compact and pronounced. A small spoonful can anchor a dish, providing body, richness, and a foundation that other elements build upon. Used as a starting point or worked in along the way, pastes offer a direct, efficient way to layer complexity without adding excess volume.