Serves 6

INGREDIENTS

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

PREPARATION

In a medium sized saucepot heat water until warm and keep simmering while making risotto. In a separate saucepot, sauté garlic in butter and olive oil over medium heat until fragrant, 1 minute. Add beets stems and cook, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes. Add the rice and thyme leaves, cook, stirring constantly, 1 minute. Add the wine and cook, stirring constantly until wine is absorbed, add 1 cup of water, continue cooking and adding water, add another ½ cup liquid every 7 minutes or so until rice is cooked through and tender, about 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from heat and add gorgonzola cheese and mix. Garnish with walnuts and serve immediately.