Active Time

　　5 min

　　Total Time

　　15 min

　　These crisp-tender, mildly spiced beans are novel enough to be interesting, familiar enough to be comforting.

Ingredients

　　1 lb green beans, trimmed

　　1 cup water

　　2 tablespoons unsalted butter

　　3/4 teaspoon curry powder

　　1/2 teaspoon salt

　　1/8 teaspoon black pepper

　　1/8 teaspoon cayenne

　　Bring all ingredients to a boil in a 12-inch heavy skillet, then simmer briskly, partially covered, stirring occasionally, until beans are crisp-tender and liquid is reduced to about 2 tablespoons, 6 to 9 minutes.