If it's rough and chunky, with a large white center, it's undercooked. If it has no opaque center and is super smooth and soft, it's overcooked. If it's a fairly smooth smear with a little bit of white in the middle, like the grain pictured on the far right, it's perfectly cooked.

What should risotto look like when done?

Cooked risotto should be al dente — that is, fully cooked, yet still somewhat firm to the bite. If you prefer a softer, soupier risotto, simply add an extra one-half to one cup of liquid. The final step, called mantecare — "to stir together" in Italian — finishes the risotto.

Is risotto supposed to be mushy?

Risotto should have body, but not be overly mushy and starchy. You're not making rice pudding! If your pot is too wide, the rice will cook in a thin layer and won't be able to bump and grind enough to generate starch.