They are one of the most ESSENTIAL components, or foundations of Thai cuisine; Pastes form the base of many dishes, from soups, to curries, to stir fries.
In Thailand you’ll find curry pastes available at all markets, fresh, but produced in mass quantities.
They are normally piled high in rounded cone shapes, and you can buy by them by the 100 grams.
In other countries you can normally buy Thai curry pastes in cans or tubs, Mae Ploy is one of the most famous brands.
BUT… after I made this fresh curry paste, I have to tell you, NOTHING compares to the flavor of Thai curry paste when you make it yourself using fresh ingredients.