What ingredient is irreplaceable for providing Paella's signature color and aroma?
Answer
Saffron
Saffron is the indispensable ingredient in Paella preparation, responsible for imparting both the dish's vibrant signature color and its characteristic aroma. The text explicitly notes that substituting saffron without losing the dish's profile is not possible. This spice infuses the cooking broth, which in turn flavors the short-grain rice, ensuring that the final presentation and olfactory experience meet the standard of authentic paella, regardless of whether the version leans toward meats or seafood.

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