Once you get around to pronouncing it right — keen-wah as opposed to keen-owah — quinoa can easily replace the grains you use every day.

Quinoa is a gluten-free grain that's packed with fibre and has a slight nutty taste, according to EatingWell.com. It has about 111 calories, 2 grams of fat, 0 mg of cholesterol, 4 grams of protein and 3 grams of fibre for a half-cup serving, says the site.

On this week's How To, Cynthia Lair of Cookus Interruptus has a basic guide on how to cook this tiny grain.

In the video above, Liar gives readers step-by-step cooking instructions on how to boil a cup of quiona (a total time of 15 minutes). And not like your average cooking video, she even has a guest character make an appearance during boiling time. Is it strange? A little, but it does make the wait go by faster.

On top of easily replacing all your favourite foods like rice and oatmeal and adding a different texture to your salads, quinoa also has all eight amino acids and is rich in calcium and iron — which is unusual for a grain. Also known as a superfood, quinoa has almost twice the amount of protein and fibre compared to brown rice, according to health and nutrition expert Joy Bauer.

LOOK: 16 tasty quinoa recipes to try yourself:

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  • Gluten-Free Pizza

    <strong>Get the <a href="http://glutenfreeday.com/?p=440" target="_hplink">Gluten-Free Pizza recipe</a> by A Gluten-Free Day</strong> You don't have to feel bad about eating pizza when you eat it with a quinoa crust.

  • Whole Wheat Banana Quinoa Pancakes

    <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.ambitiouskitchen.com/2012/04/whole-wheat-banana-quinoa-pancakes/" target="_hplink">Whole Wheat Banana Quinoa Pancakes recipe</a> by Ambitious Kitchen</strong> Never has quinoa looked so delicious. These pancakes sneak in not only this protein-packed grain but whole wheat too.

  • Quinoa Egg Veggie Bake

    <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.edibleperspective.com/home/2011/8/16/quinoa-eggs.html" target="_hplink">Quinoa Egg Veggie Bake recipe</a> by Edible Perspective</strong> You get a double dose of protein with this breakfast egg bake recipe thanks to the sneaky addition of quinoa.

  • Quinoa Crunch

    <strong>Get the <a href="http://makeitnaked.com/2012/03/27/quinoa-crunch/" target="_hplink">Quinoa Crunch recipe</a> by Make It Naked</strong> Quinoa, maple syrup, cinnamon and coconut oil are all you need to make this sweet and healthy dessert topping.

  • Enchilada Chicken & Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers

    <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.ambitiouskitchen.com/2012/04/enchilada-chicken-quinoa-stuffed-bell-peppers/" target="_hplink">Enchilada Chicken & Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers recipe</a> by Ambitious Kitchen</strong> Quinoa is mixed in with chicken, onion and spices to stuff and be cooked in sweet bell peppers.

  • Quinoa Tortillas

    <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.thegraciouspantry.com/clean-eating-quinoa-tortillas/" target="_hplink">Quinoa Tortillas recipe</a> by The Gracious Pantry</strong> Don't turn to corn tortillas next time taco night rolls around. Give these quinoa tortillas a try and get more protein.

  • Quinoa Porridge With Blueberries And Pecans

    <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.closetcooking.com/2008/02/quinoa-porridge.html" target="_hplink">Quinoa Porridge with Blueberries and Pecans recipe</a> by Closet Cooking</strong> Forget processed cereals or even rolled oats and enjoy a super-healthy breakfast with quinoa, blueberries and pecans.

  • Asparagus Artichoke Tart With Quinoa Crust

    <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.weeklygreens.com/recipes/asparagus-artichoke-tart-with-quinoa-crust/" target="_hplink">Asparagus Artichoke Tart recipe</a> with Quinoa Crust recipe by Weekly Greens</strong> The genius of this tart recipe is that the quinoa is the crust. And it's made with pesto and parmesan too.

  • Yuzu Poppy Seed Quinoa Pancakes

    <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.tartineandapronstrings.com/2012/03/06/yuzu-poppy-seed-quinoa-pancakes/" target="_hplink">Yuzu Poppy Seed Quinoa Pancakes recipe</a> by Tartine and Apron Strings</strong> Not only are these pancakes gluten-free, but they're packed with quinoa too.

  • Basil Parmesan Quinoa Cakes

    <strong>Get the <a href="http://catesworldkitchen.com/2011/04/basil-parmesan-quinoa-cakes-and-sf-green-festival/" target="_hplink">Basil Parmesan Quinoa Cakes recipe</a> by Cate's World Kitchen</strong> While the quinoa in this quinoa cake isn't really hidden, it is delicious. When cooked to a crunchy golden brown, and mixed with cheese and basil, quinoa is hard to resist.

  • Carrot Walnut Cake With Millet

    <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/carrot-walnut-cake-with-m_n_1056834.html" target="_hplink">Carrot Walnut Cake with Millet recipe</a></strong> No one will ever know that there's quinoa and millet in this rich and delectable cake recipe.

  • Banana Quinoa Muffins

    <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/banana-quinoa-muffins_n_1057457.html" target="_hplink">Banana Quinoa Muffins recipe</a></strong> With these banana muffins, you can feel good about eating a healthy breakfast in the morning -- one that tastes good too.

  • Quinoa Paella With Spring Vegetables

    <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/quinoa-paella-with-spring_n_1061265.html" target="_hplink">Quinoa Paella with Spring Vegetables recipe</a></strong> Why load up on yellow rich when it has little nutritional value? Swap out the rice for quinoa, and still enjoy the rich flavors of paella.

  • Quinoa Crunch

    <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.dailybitesblog.com/2012/04/05/quinoa-crunch/" target="_hplink">Quinoa Crunch recipe</a> by Daily Bites</strong> Quinoa crunch is the perfect way to disguise this healthy seed. Not only is it great for snacking on its own, but it's delicious used as a topping for baked fruit too.

  • Quinoa And Fruit Power Bars

    <strong>Get the<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/quinoa-and-fruit-power-ba_n_1057183.html" target="_hplink"> Quinoa and Fruit Power Bars recipe</a></strong> You no longer need to turn to sugar-laden breakfast bars, make your own and load them up with quinoa.

  • WATCH: How To Cook Quinoa