Couscous Pilaf

From: Marthastewart.com

My friend Bethany made this for me a few months back. Delicious side dish! It has just the right amount of cumin. Makes your kitchen smell great!

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 small onion, cut into 1/4-inch dice
3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
Pinch of cayenne pepper
2 ½ cups water, boiling
6-ounce box large pearl couscous
1-1/4 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
2 tablespoons fresh flat-leaf parsley, coarsely chopped

In a large saucepan, heat olive oil and butter over medium-low heat. Add onions and cook until lightly browned, about 8 minutes. Stir in cumin and cayenne pepper, and sauté for 1 minute more.

(Bring water to a boil in a medium saucepan or microwave.)

Stir in couscous, salt, pepper, and boiling water into the large saucepan. Cover and simmer over low heat until tender and water is absorbed, about 10 minutes. Add parsley and stir.