Like pasta in Italy and rice in Asia, couscous is a staple in Morocco.

Serves 6.

½ teaspoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh cilantro leaves
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil leaves
2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
2½ cups boiling water
2 cups couscous
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, at room temperature (optional)

1. Place the salt, cilantro, 1 tablespoon of the basil, and sesame seeds in a small mixing bowl, toss to combine and set aside.

2. Place the water and the couscous in a large mixing bowl and, cover and let sit for 5 minutes. Add the herb mixture and, if desired, the butter, and gently mix.

3. Transfer to a heated serving bowl and serve immediately. Garnish with the remaining 1 tablespoon basil.

From The $50 Dinner Party: 26 Dinner Parties That Won’t Break Your Bank, Your Back, or Your Schedule (Simon & Schuster, 1998)