The ratio of water to couscous is generally around 1:1 which means for every cup of couscous you will need one cup of water. Couscous can be prepared by soaking or using a pilaf method. To soak, boiling water is poured over the couscous and left to sit and soak up the water. In the pilaf method, it is first toasted in plant-based butter or oil and then cooked with broth or water.