In a medium saucepan, bring the water or vegetable broth to a boil.
Stir in the salt, olive oil, and optional ground cumin and paprika.
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the couscous.
Cover the saucepan with a lid and let it sit for about 5 minutes.
After 5 minutes, uncover the saucepan and use a fork to fluff the couscous gently to separate the grains.
Transfer the couscous to a serving dish and serve warm. It can be enjoyed as a side dish or as a base for stews and salads.
Enjoy your meal!