Garlicky Tomato Quinoa and Veggies using Antonella’s Sauces

Recently, I was contacted by the PR company representing a new line of Quebec-based, ready-to-serve, gluten-free pasta sauces called Antonella’s. These sauces, unlike more traditional ones, are not found in cans or in the refrigerated section of the grocery store, but in a similar sort of box one might find broths, stocks or soups. They are also gluten-free. The PR company sent me two complimentary, full sized containers of sauce – a tomato-based garlic sauce and another of Alfredo. I have only used the tomato based sauce so far, and for my first recipe, I made a delicious quinoa and veggie dish to go along with some skewers I purchased from the local supermarket. To make the dish, all you need is:

3/4 cups of quinoa (preferably white, especially if you want good presentation, but you can use red, black or rainbow)
1/2 cups of Antonella’s Roasted Garlic sauce
1/4 cups of vegetable broth and another 1/8 cups to “sweat” the onions
3/4 cups of water
1 small zucchini, chopped
About 1 cup of mushrooms (any kind, I used portobello), chopped
About 1/2 a large onion, chopped
1 cup of green onions (optional)

Directions:

In a pot or saucier pan, heat the 1/8 cups of broth to “sweat” the onions
Add the quinoa
Add the remaining liquids
As the water comes to a boil, add the mushrooms and zucchini
Cover the pot and lower the heat to medium-low, allowing the quinoa to simmer
At around the 10 minute mark, if desired, add the green onions and cook until all liquid is absorbed

This dish serves 2-4 people, depending on whether one is a big eater or whether you are having it as a main. I have to admit that it could have been a bit MORE tomato-y. To do so, replace some of the water or broth with sauce.

Thanks so much to Propeller PR for introducing me to these sauces. They’re great! To find out where to purchase Antonella’s pasta sauces, please visit their FAQ page. Stores in Ontario include select Loblaws and Metro locations.

Image credits: First image courtesy of Antonella’s/Propeller PR; Second image by author

About Cynthia Cheng Mintz

Cynthia Cheng Mintz is the founder and webitor-in-chief of this site and the petite-focused site, Shorty Stories. She has also written for other publications including the Toronto Star and has blogged for The Huffington Post. Her first novel, Aspirations, was published in 2007. Outside of writing, Cynthia researches and advises philanthropic ideas for family funds and foundations and also volunteers.