To prepare Israeli couscous, you'll need 1 1/4 cups of water for every 1 cup of dry couscous. Transfer the couscous to a large pot, add 1 tablespoon olive oil and toast it over medium heat. stirring constantly, until golden brown. Add hot water and simmer covered for 8-10 minutes. Once the couscous has absorbed all of the water, gently fluff up the grains with a fork.