This recipe delivers the classic sweet-and-sour flavor of pickled beets but keeps the sugar to a minimum, focusing instead on the natural sweetness of the beets and the aromatic spices. This is a quick-pickle recipe, meant to be stored in the refrigerator.

Yields: About 2 pints Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 30–45 minutes (for beets)

Ingredients

For the Beets:

2 lbs fresh beets (about 6 medium), scrubbed clean
Water, for boiling

For the Low-Sugar Brine: