Serves 5

INGREDIENTS

2 cloves of garlic, chopped fine
Olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
Tops of 2 bunches of beets, chopped, stems included
1 cup Arborio rice
¼ cup fresh thyme leaves
1 cup red wine
3 cups water
Gorgonzola cheese, buttermilk blue
Walnuts, for garnish

PREPARATION

In a heavy bottom saucepan, sauté garlic in butter and olive oil over medium heat until translucent. Add beets stems and cook, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes. Add the rice and cook, stirring constantly, 1 minute. Stir in the wine and cook, stirring constantly until wine is absorbed,  add 1 cup of water, continue cooking and adding water, about ½ cup at a time, stirring constantly and letting each cup of water  be absorbed before adding the next one, until the rice is tender or al dente and creamy-looking.  Remove from heat and add gorgonzola cheese and mix.  Serve with walnuts for garnish.