Ingredients

serves 4

　　2 cups couscous (about 12 ounces)

　　Coarse salt and fresh ground pepper

　　2 tablespoons olive oil

　　2 1/2 cups boiling water

　　

Step 1

Put the couscous, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper in a large bowl. Add the olive oil, and stir with a fork to coat evenly.

　　

Step 2

Stir one third of the boiling water into the couscous. Cover the remaining water to keep it hot.

　　

Step 3

Press the couscous gently with the back of the fork. Cover with plastic wrap; let stand for 3 minutes. Repeat with the remaining water in two additions.

　　

Step 4

Break up any clumps with a fork or your fingers.

　　Reprinted with permission from Everyday Food: Great Food Fast by Martha Stewart Living Magazine. Copyright © 2007 by Martha Stewart Living Magazine. Published by Crown Publishing Group. All Rights Reserved.Martha Stewart Living magazine was first published in 1990. Over the years, more than two dozen books have been published by the magazine's editors.Martha Stewart is the author of dozens of best-selling books on cooking, entertaining, gardening, weddings, and decorating. She is the host of The Martha Stewart Show, the successful daily syndicated television show.