The Lazy Cook

I'm sure you're all familiar with microwaveable rice, and it's certainly a boon as a quick and easy accompaniment to just about anything. But if you fancy a change, how about couscous?

This can be just as easy, because you don't need a saucepan to cook it (the instant sort, that is). Just put the couscous in a bowl, add boiling water, cover and leave for about five minutes. Then add a blob of butter or a glug of olive oil and fluff up with a fork.
But how much couscous, and how much water?
How much couscous is a personal thing, and also depends on whether you're having it as an accompaniment to something else, or as a main meal in itself. In the first case, I find around 75 - 100g enough, in the second, maybe twice that.
Water's a bit more tricky - too little and the couscous will be undercooked and gritty - too much and it will be sloppy and soupy (although this isn't a disaster, as you can always drain off the excess).
You may find instructions on the packet, but if not, I have found if you use slightly more than the same volume of water as couscous, that's about right, or around 160 - 170ml of water per 100g of couscous. If you can't be bothered with measuring or weighing, then simply add enough water to cover the couscous by about a quarter of an inch, but no more.

Enjoy!