Tip the couscous into a heatproof bowl and just cover with boiling water.
Cover with clingfilm and leave to stand for 5 minutes, then fluff up with a fork.
Melt the butter or ghee in a large frying pan over a medium heat, add the couscous, stirring well to separate the grains, and season with salt and pepper.
Spoon the couscous into a pyramid on a serving dish and dust with the cinnamon and icing sugar, if using.
Serve hot as a side dish.
Notes / Tips / Wine Advice:
For buttered almond & cinnamon couscous,
tip 350 g couscous into a bowl. Stir ½ teaspoon salt into 400 ml warm water, pour over the couscous and mix well. Cover with a clean tea towel and leave to stand for about 10 minutes. Melt 2 tablespoons butter or ghee in a heavy-based frying pan over a medium heat, stir in 2 tablespoons flaked almonds and cook for 3 minutes until golden brown. Add the couscous and toss well. Serve hot as a side dish, dusted with a little ground cinnamon.