In a saucepan bring water to a boil with 2 tbsp. butter, cut into bits. Stir in the couscous with salt and pepper to taste, cover the pan immediately, and let the couscous stand, off the heat, for 5 minutes.

Scatter 2 tbsp. of butter, cut into bits, over the couscous and let the couscous stand, covered, for 1 minute. Fluff the couscous with a fork to break up any lumps, tossing it until the butter is melted. Season with salt and pepper. Serve as you would rice or pasta.(Mound it on a platter, make a well in the centre and fill the well with sauced meat or sauced seafood.)

NOTE 1: Couscous is made from durum wheat, like spaghetti. The wheat is ground into semolina, which is slightly moistened, rolled into small grains and left to dry. It has a light delicate texture.

NOTE 2: Use chicken broth instead of water and add sauted onions (one), if desired.