Boil 2 cups water.To a large bowl, add ⅛ teaspoon saffron1 teaspoon salt, and dissolve them with 2 tablespoons of boiling water.
Add 2 cups couscous and cover it with the remaining hot water. Stir to combine and set aside, covered with a lid, for 5 minutes.
When all water has been absorbed, rake the couscous with a fork to separate its grains and fluff it up.
Add 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil and 4 tablespoons parsley or cilantro (chopped).Toss to combine with a spoon or with your hands, lifting the grain in the air to aerate it.
Taste and adjust for salt before serving on a platter. See the "serving suggestions" chapter for more serving ideas.