4 Levels of Risotto: Amateur to Food Scientist | Epicurious

We challenged chefs of three different skill levels - amateur John, home cook Diane, and professional chef Lish Steiling - to make us their take on a classic risotto. Once each level of chef had presented their creations, we asked expert food scientist Rose to explain the choices each made along the way. Which risotto would get you stirring the pot?
00:00 Intro
00:33 Prepping Ingredients
03:49 Stock
06:11 Rice
11:13 Plating
13:23 Tasting
14:13 Level 4 (Food Scientist)
Director: Lisa Paradise
Director of Photography: Jeremy Harris
Editors: Misa Qu; Manolo Moreno
Director of Culinary Production: Kelly Janke
Producer: Tyre Nobles
Culinary Producer: Mallary Santucci
Culinary Associate Producer: Leslie Raney
Line Producer: Jen McGinity
Associate Producer: Sahara Pagan
Production Manager: Janine Dispensa
Production Coordinator: Elizabeth Hymes
Assistant Camera: Lucas Young
Sound Mixer: Brett van Deusen
Production Assistant: Justine Ramirez
Culinary Assistant: Jami Samuelson-Kopek
Researcher: Vivian Jao
Post Production Supervisor: Andrea Farr
Post Production Coordinator: Scout Alter
Supervising Editor: Eduardo Araujo
Assistant Editor: Billy Ward
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[@louislebreton182]

Level 1 is level 2 today

[@itsgoingtobeok-justbreathe4808]

and level 2 is level 0.5

[@NataliaSteck98]

Soon he's going to level up, just like Emily

[@jbearclowater]

I feel like John has been like a level 1.5-1.9 more so than a level one for a long time now. He's a very talented cook in the kitchen! There's a lot of times his dishes are better than the level 2 I find (today included)

[@midnightcsy]

Inflation is everywhere

[@elisabasta]

YES.

[@Orwellian-Purple-Grapes-1984]

Everytime someone in the west made an Asian ancestor cry with their rice cooking methods, but this time it was an Asian who made the Italian ancestors cry with her rice dish. 😂

[@SayNoobB4ULeave]

2nd person didn't make risotto, they just made rice with shrimps.

[@lauraqueentint]

nah level 2 is just asian mom cooking what she thinks is risotto lol

[@AstolfoGayming]

It's probably tasty, but definitely not risotto

[@aldrensiscar3988]

I think its jambalaya?

[@AmyBluesoul]

It was very confused. It had a Mexican feel and then toss with basil because risotto is Italian and basil is used in Italian cooking. Also her add butter because it gives that je ne sais quoi? Maybe because it needs it because it was dry and needs the moisture after the abuse she did.

[@ZeldaOtaku1]

what happened is she messed up early by not cooking the shallots and onions so I think after that it was like F it

[@teampenit]

I can tell that Rose did NOT approve of the no stir method at ALL!

[@amydeel8653]

Came here to say that!

[@caglr88]

Well if you dont stir the rice - liquid mixture and leave it to slowly cook, it happens to be 'pilaff' not risotto.

[@davinar34]

I haven't gotten to that point of the video yet but I can already guess who

[@cronoz-sensei4259]

@@caglr88 technically this is also the paella method of cooking rice.

[@fromthewest0074]

I feel like Diane made more of a rice pilaf than a risotto. I think risotto needs that creaminess and her rice looks a little dry on the plate.

[@canaisyoung3601]

That is the main difference between risotto and pilaf. And why I find making risotto easier than making pilaf (even if it's the store-bought, Rice-Aroni, San Francisco treat pilaf).

[@lucaskobain]

It looks like a warm cous cous salad

[@dyleon0756]

Lish is probably the coolest level 3 chef after frank. She acts and speaks like a regular person, while using her expertise and technique. Does not aim to feel better than everyone else just because of her knowledge. Please bring her more often!

[@veronicacuratolatobar186]

Her, Saul and Frank are Epicurious holy trinity!

[@deenaallen7668]

Completely agree with everything you said. Her risotto looks incredible!

[@kalin962]

Lish is awesome but you HAVE to put Saul in there as well.

[@pagandreamer5584]

You can hear her pure passion in her voice when ever she talks about food

[@iRaps1]

bruh

[@kozmobluemusic]

i think john is slowly turning into a level 2 chef...

[@_Toxicity]

John being the second Epicurious chef to get promoted after Emily would be a VERY amazing and fun day! :D

[@interchris]

It’s just the juxtaposition that gets him the promotion

[@moviejeff08]

Honestly, John's was the best-looking dish here...

[@jbearclowater]

John did better than the level two chef here, in my opinion

[@LordShockwave9]

Lol at everyone in the comments waiting for the Italians to complain. On that note, John is elevating his game. He stuck to the traditional risotto recipe and did the dish justice. I've watched Lish before so she's got liberty to riff on the dish.

[@itsgoingtobeok-justbreathe4808]

Lis has Liberty to riff b/c she's a professional chef and that's what they do.

[@TheMrCC21]

@@itsgoingtobeok-justbreathe4808 There are many variations of a traditional risotto. It's all about execution and knowing what you're doing.

[@Thatonegirl989]

To be fair Italians are constantly in the comments complaining. Not just on this channel, all over the internet

[@ffkeixi]

The level 2 chef really made some choices

[@2knano992]

Why is she even level 2? 😭

[@mts.camilo]

@@2knano992she really should switch places with the level 1.

[@eXJonSnow]

@@mts.camilo she really should not have been on this episode and not actually made risotto

[@eliadelphi2459]

I wonder if Diane (Level 2 Chef) has ever even seen risotto before, let alone eaten it, lmao

[@rimmymindplease8120]

Level 2 is a hot mess. I was shaking my head throughout!

[@itsgoingtobeok-justbreathe4808]

same

[@jasmineraww]

rinsing the rice with stock.... wait what 😰 Whenever Lish explains the rationale behind making risotto, the lady breaks every single rule, and Rose confirms what Diane did was the opposite of what she wants to achieve 😂

[@danielcues]

Level 2 chef lied on her resume. What on earth did she make, this is outrageous.

[@wateasa]

Why didn’t they bring Beth. My favorite Italian grandma

[@jarrottbarker7135]

I love this series but admittedly I kind of wish it was entirely made up of episodes featuring Emily, Saul, Beth, Lorenzo and of course Frank.

[@maromania7]

Because Beth is smart and probably turned them down. Every part of Italy has strong opinions on the only correct way to make any dish. Italy is one of the countries famous for barely tolerate a neighboring city's way of doing things. They're also notorious for hating other country's ways with a BURNING passion. Doubly so since she should know how to do it their way. Would not surprise me if she just decided to dodge this, especially since she has her own channel now.

[@itsgoingtobeok-justbreathe4808]

possibly b/c Risotto is more of a Northern Italian dish and Beth makes Southern Italian dishes? I grew up in the most heavily populated by Italian Americans in the US and never saw any of my friend's mothers or g'mas make it nor was it on any of the family style Italian restaurant menus. maybe that has changed, but I think of this as a more technique driven dish rather than homey

[@itsgoingtobeok-justbreathe4808]

Beth doesn't care what people in Italy think....she's grounded in her Italian American heritage which is slightly different@@maromania7

[@WeDwellinaFiefdom]

@@maromania7Beth has a channel???

[@guidosaur7506]

Chef John's risotto is my favorite balance of easy to make and great flavor

[@MGD313]

John will follow Emily's path and become Level 2 at some point.

[@AishwaryaM-nu6jm]

Chef Lish is so much fun. Seems like a very heart warming, honest and energetic person to be around.. and she was so happy throughout the video!

[@Chanzlyn]

I love the dynamic of John and Lish in this. John with the traditional approach, while I love Chef Lish showing the "once you know the rules of cooking, you can break those rules" in her way of using a different type of rice or creme fraiche instead of butter. Diane's was fun to show the no-stir method and I loved the idea of using summery veg to kind of lighten a typically decadent dish!

[@warmtoiletseat7362]

Dianes dish wasn't even risotto...

[@zDiegoChz]

I´m so glad lvl 3 Chef showed us how Risotto is actually supposed to look like. Wavy, kinda loose but creamy, not supposed to have much height. Most people don´t know about this, even in professional kitchens

[@2knano992]

Level 1 and 2 need to switch because that lady don’t know what she doing😭

[@jarrottbarker7135]

The parmesan rinds in the stock is a great call. I save them for when I'm making tomato sauce and they add such a nice salty/creaminess. And yes, they're a great snack for when it's all finished too.

[@jamccc671]

My grandmom use to use parmesan rinds in her broth....yummy.

[@eirxd5658]

They have switched level 1 and 2...😂 Also, John, Beth, Frank would be great for this episode.

[@mattcarlucci]

Yeah, was expecting this to be a Frank.

[@ericjensen7580]

He's still busy growing the rice in Italy

[@kylam4830]

Level 2 pissed me off, like it looks so dry risotto supposed to be creamy, they should switched level 2 and 1

[@martingarcia2800]

This video was a whole experience to watch, let's just say that.

[@candyleroy2423]

i can swear in italian now and im not even italian

[@Halaa7]

Level 2 Chef traumatized me.

[@fluasch]

Chef Johns risotto was not level 1 at all, he really put a lot of effort into it

[@lauraqueentint]

Level 1: what you'd actually make on a weeknight dinner Level 2: What your asian mom makes you Level 3: What you actually get at a restaurant

[@itsgoingtobeok-justbreathe4808]

nah, your Asian mom *knows how to cook rice properly* and would never serve you that mush

[@Rudy2k5]

To be fair, the broth looks very simple. Surely I'll try this week or next week :p

[@pedronascimento7235]

13:33 C'mon Diane, taste the rice too... not only the shrimp 😂

[@jamccc671]

John's risotto had too much asparagus in large pieces, Diane's was dry but Lish's was perfect. Risotto is never thick or dry but has a slight creamy liquid as was shown with Lish's dish. I never thought of fennel in risotto, it is a must try.

[@olihargrave7366]

At least John made risotto, cough level 2 👀

[@Ifechukwuadeshina-cj2hf]

Lish made the risotto. That's professional

[@KyleBaran90]

I like John's simplicity of ingredients, it's the most relatable to me. I enjoyed Diane's presentation the most, even though I don't enjoy seafood, and I also liked Lish's selection of ingredients and flavor strategies. All three have something pleasing about them!

[@rovadomiles2842]

level 2 chef made an incomplete creole jambalaya

[@Samizouza]

I can see why "level 2" was more of a cross between paella and pilaf than actual risotto since she used bamba rice.

[@ahonanzb]

I would be so SAD if someone served me risotto #2 ...

[@ontologger]

lv3 - ruins delicate caviar with parm and fennel lv2 - cooks some random rice dish lv1 - actually makes a nice reasonable risotto what a twist, Epicurious

[@justing9370]

Level 2 chef genuinely made what we call in France a "salade de riz"

[@itsgoingtobeok-justbreathe4808]

actually I believe it is called "salade de merde"

[@snapgab]

This "level 2 chef" is a great example of "a little knowledge is a dangerous thing 😂 Sometimes you just have to follow the rules instead of getting cocky and thinking you know better. I still can't believe that she said "looks great" when she unveiled a "risotto" that was dry as the desert, with every grain separated and no creaminess in sight.

[@j3r3miasmg]

Arboreo rice is the way to go. Level 2 only ate and talked about the shrimp (13:30). For the first time, my choice to eat is the level 1's plate.

[@aeybonbon9013]

Chef Lish is always warm and comforting to watch! ❤

[@paolaguerrero6323]

That level 2 risotto was an actual nightmare

[@ArtemisSilverBow]

Risotto with scallops and fennel is divine ❤

[@SouthernSouthAsian]

Whenever I think of Risotto, all I hear is Gordon Ramsey yelling, "where's the Risotto!"

[@Metroid22540]

♪ And that's how you make a perfect risotto ♪

[@Gambit17]

"The Risotto is burned! Shut it down! Shut it down!"

[@MatthiaGryffine]

The only dish I can still think of for 4 Levels is Spinach Dip. Maybe for the Super Bowl next year?

[@bellacjay]

love lish's energy !!!!

[@MDeLorien]

I want John's risotto 😊

[@beeble2003]

I want Lish's. John's looks delicious but I feel I could do as well myself (though he really needs to use freshly grated cheese -- pre-greated smells gross). Diane's looks tasty but not stirring means not really risotto.

[@_Toxicity]

Welcome back John! Welcome back Lish! :)

[@yesitsme712]

So happy to see John again! He makes me smile. John... you did great!!!! I wish i could try some! 😋

[@nik_evdokimov]

Epicurious makes great videos with explanations as always, thanks for this one!

[@ROMANTIKILLER2]

John actually did a pretty nice job: simple, but all the elements were there. Diane made a nice rice dish, but calling it risotto I feel it would be a bit of a stretch.

[@haithamdana4382]

Frank would have grown his own rice.... just sayin 😏

[@Monster1472580]

He would also hand dive for his own scallops

[@melbell0865]

He’d also ferment his own wine.

[@nnooaaahhh]

Frank would make another Frank to cook for him

[@Cherry01449]

😂😂😂😂 facts

[@craigslitzer4857]

13:33 The tasting is my favorite part of this video series. That's the moment you fully realize it's not a competition against one another, but simply each chef making what they consider to be a fantastic dish meant to be enjoyed. They are all great in their own way. 4 levels is a very enjoyable show with a great format.

[@enchman69]

level 1 - really great attempt, just piled it up high so presentation didnt look as tasty as it could have level 2 - gonna need multiple glasses of water cuz it looks dryy but i dont doubt the flavors are great level 3 - not surprised that lish nails yet another thing textbook

[@Zarsla]

On Level 2, it remined me of like the difference between I like for oatmeal while what my younger sister likes for oatmeal. Mines is more creamy/soupy, while my sisters method it's more together and thick. Basically Level 2 is like a thicker oatmeal/porrige the kind that is more solid and less soupy/creamy.

[@nickmastmann1073]

Love all the dishes. I thing Lish should do one of Frank Protos 101 Lessons 😍

[@brandonhill5976]

John has been improving!!! Go john!! 🙌🏾🔥🔥🔥

[@sephiraskye9606]

I love how bubbly Jon is and I squealed when I saw Lish again. Love her to pieces ❤

[@christinaefthimiou9156]

Lish is one of my favorite chefs. You can tell she's a pro yet she's humble and really cool! I love the videos on this channel in general, but I gotta say, I absolutely love the ones with Frank and Lish 👩‍🍳

[@enyawthethird758]

Level 3 please all the way, looks like actual risotto...and i have a weakness for caviar lol

[@codylundin8656]

Props to the editors for making this coheasive while telling a story

[@AS-kq7hw]

I would eat them all! I do feel like John made the one I wanted to try the most, I've never had asparagus in risotto before. I am okay with fennel, but I don't love it and Lish (who is awesome, always) seemed to be making a very fennel-forward risotto. The level 2 chef made a dish I would 100% eat, but I agree with everyone here who says it looked more like a pilaf.

[@alexhoffmann3002]

If they ever put me on this show as a level 1, I'm bringing caviar and chives and everything to put on at the end too!

[@avuci]

The level 3 dish is truly beautiful. Really want to make that. I would absolutely buy that dish

[@solibanezz9666]

John shines here and he definitely deserved it, rooting for you, chef level 2 🎉

[@nicthommi]

I was wonder if Rose was going to admit that number 2 wasn't risotto. She didn't disappoint.

[@kingofmonra]

tip for the lvl "1" chef John, if you hold the asparagus on each end and bend it, it will break at the "edible" part.

[@mynala110]

More of this chef. She was fantastic.

[@dapurnads]

Thank you for your great video❤

[@t.a.y.x.o]

i love john SO much lol!! what a vibe of a human!!

[@kateguevarra9277]

Love seeing Lish!!!

[@coralkitty]

Lish never fails to make my mouth water

[@elena6516]

As an Italian Level 1 I approve! Job well done! Thank you for replicating such a delicious dish!

[@kopiovastaava4648]

You being an Italian means absolutely nothing

[@jefffarley9223]

I must say I am proud of John. He really stepped up.

[@Drake844221]

Honestly, I feel like John could pretty reasonably make the move up to level 2 chef in time, like Emily.

[@azalor3223]

That level 2 looked great.

[@purpleiguana208]

The only thing I feel like this series is missing is if everyone got to taste everyone else's dish.

[@carmenneumann9479]

And say truthful reaction

[@Becausing]

Level 2 wouldn’t have made it out alive 😂

[@MegafaunaMinds]

More Lish please 🎉

[@ignacioe10]

Love the 3, they all explain so well and with joy

[@mrsillytacos]

Petition for Rosemary to actually cook in one of these:

[@lancebeltran2002]

TBH, Jhon need to become a lvl 2 chef

[@Multifandomgirl1499]

Does the Level 3 chef have a restaurant? Her risotto looks delicious!

[@nowakowski_xyz]

Im so happy we all agree in the comments that level 2 was a big mistake

[@trapomcn]

Lish’s recipe looks great

[@pkmitl]

I've been watching for years and lv-1 chefs are still lv 1.

[@CaptinPoser]

Scallops Fennel Chives Fennel seeds Bay leaf Garlic Thyme Lemon zest Shallots Parm Rice Bubbles Crème fre Caviar Fennel pollen

[@jinil9002]

wow, this is very similar to korean traditional juk. there are tons of juk recipes.

[@Cherry01449]

Lv1 did a great job really ☺️☺️ just smaller pieces of asparagus and would be top 👍🏻

[@andiesoprano]

Level 2 makes my italian heart cry. This is definitely not risotto. Level 1 was much better. John should be on Level 2 next time.

[@MeggsNEggs]

Chef is is such a delight. Always positive, informative, and entertaining!!

[@zeldastorms]

If Chef Lish would share where she got that amazing Tee Shirt that would be amazing

[@fercoelho2044]

O didn't even watched yet, but I'm patiently waiting for italians complaining about something.

[@_Epic_]

I'm not even Italian and I'm complaining about it

[@joanreynolds955]

I’m not Italian, but I am finding some the ingredients they are using to be odd.

[@aftwelve]

Let John graduate to level two you haters!! He’s been consistently making solid level 1 food!

[@kunodleM]

John is very close to being promoted to level 2 chef

[@warrenedwards4076]

every episode: level 1: i'd eat this level 2: i'd definitely eat this level 3: i'd eat this every day

[@Fidozo15]

Imma sit here and let the italians form an opinion 🍿

[@thatreddude7700]

Same

[@PakoVero]

I didn't watch the video yet, but I'm sure they're gonna complaing and yelling.

[@ErC0411]

Spoiler: the opinion won't be too nice😅

[@lauraqueentint]

level 3 is what its supposed to be like

[@toosei4296]

im having an italian "watching" with me and hes angry at the pronunciation

[@ymkekok2944]

"I'm just gonna add most of my stock, save a cup and let it sit" had me 😦

[@Greydawg]

14:45 "Arborio rice is... 2-3 times as *wide* as it is *long."* -The Expert Should we tell her? 🤷🤷‍♂🤷‍♀

[@reed6514]

Taste testers would be a cool addition to this series

[@nemock]

I'm down with all the versions. Let's eat!

[@ericmburu173]

I would be curious to know the result-o, on the no-stir risotto

[@itsgoingtobeok-justbreathe4808]

I think we saw what the result was- mushy overcooked yet somehow too dry to be risotto rice

[@darchaneanderson4149]

i would be PISSEDD!!! if i ordered risotto at a restaurant and was served #2

[@maddelise2110]

I would be pissed if anyone anywhere severed me that 😂

[@gaiazambello9740]

As an italian, level 2 sent me through all 5 stages of grief.

[@kopiovastaava4648]

You being an Italian means nothing

[@Lynn17]

I'm not a vegetarian, but I smile every time I see a chef doing a vegetarian take on a dish that usually uses some kind of meat or fish. Ah, John, you and your store-bought broth. Never change! Unpopular opinion but Diane made Risotto, it's just different. Obviously I'd put in my aromatics first since that's where the flavor base is, but she did a fine job. Also she used shrimp and I love shrimp. That being said, Lish's use of scallops makes me want to try hers super bad. I haven't had scallops in forever. All three chefs are way ahead of me, who would just use basic white rice.

[@waylondesnoyers4606]

Technically, none of them were vegetarian 😅

[@itsgoingtobeok-justbreathe4808]

risotto is often Italian and his choices were totally classic for risotto