Chili paste is a popular condiment served in Korean, Mexican, and Asian cooking. There are several types of chili paste. Some are made with hot red peppers and others green. The recipe and the amount of heat the paste has depends on the country it came from.
History
Red chili paste dates back to the 1700s. It is primarily a Korean condiment. It is made with red chili powder, glutinous rice powder and soybean paste. It is found in Korean markets and supermarkets around the world.
Significance
Chili paste in used as an ingredients in many ethnic soups, stews and main dishes. Most chili pastes add heat and flavor to any dish.
Function
Many chili pastes are called sauces, but they are thicker than most sauces. Chili pastes are produced in many countries, including the US, Mexico, and Asia.
Types
There are many different types of chili peppers used in chili paste. One is the Ancho chili, made from dried poblano peppers. It is milder than most made in Mexico. Some chili pastes are made from green chili pepper. The chili's are often ground mixed with salt and oil. Green chili paste is made in the United States and other countries. It is often as spicy as red chili paste depending on the pepper used to make it.
Features
Keep the chili paste refrigerated and tightly covered. Use with barbecue sauces, as a topping on hot dogs, and in chili or on hamburgers.