Bean paste is a thick, smooth mixture made from cooked and mashed beans, commonly used in various cuisines around the world. It can be made from different types of beans, such as red beans, black beans, or soybeans, and is often sweetened or flavored to enhance its taste. In many Asian dishes, particularly in Chinese and Japanese cuisine, bean paste serves as a key ingredient in desserts and savory dishes alike. For example, sweet red bean paste is popular in pastries, while miso, a fermented soybean paste, is used in soups and marinades.