Quinoa, pronounced keen-wah, is a grain. It has a high protein content (around 18%), is a good source of calcium (so great for those who are lactose intolerant and vegan), and also a good source of vitamin e, magnesium, phosphorous and iron, not to mention dietary fibre. It is gluten free.
To cook quinoa, place in boiling water and simmer for around 10 minutes – it should look a bit translucent when cooked and have a texture a bit firmer than couscous. Drain the couscous and leave for a couple of minutes, then using a fork fluff the grains like you would with couscous.
You can eat quinoa as a rice or couscous substitute (it has a nutty flavour, but pretty much absorbs the flavours of the foods you add to it). Quinoa is great in salads too. Try some of these recipes.