Put the couscous (not instant!) in a large bowl, add salt, oil and the cup of warm water. Mix everything well and let it rest for fifteen minutes.
Then mix through with your hands, rubbing lumps between your fingers. Bring water to a boil in a pot with a strainer insert, put the couscous in the strainer and let it steam through for 45 minutes. Return the couscous to the bowl, stir through, let cool, break up any lumps, and return to the strainer. Steam again for 45 minutes, then the couscous can be served.
