Tomato and Rice Medley Recipe
Rice
Tomato and Rice Medley Recipe
This simple and flavorful recipe brings together the wholesome goodness of tomatoes with the grounding satisfaction of rice. It’s one of those dishes that feels nostalgic, nourishing, and refreshingly uncomplicated.
A Simple Recipe with a Story
Have you ever found yourself up late at night, scrolling through YouTube or Instagram, only to stumble on a quick and cozy recipe reel? I know I have.
Just the other night, I came across one that stopped me in my scroll: a childhood meal made from just three ingredients—tomato, rice, and soy sauce. That simplicity struck a chord. Isn’t it amazing how something so basic can bring up memories and inspiration?
Recreating with Intention
If you’ve seen my earlier cooking videos, you know I usually start by recreating a recipe faithfully—then add my own twist. I’m all about finding flavor in simplicity. So of course, I followed the original tomato, rice, and soy sauce recipe… but with a few thoughtful touches to elevate it just a bit.
Because food isn’t just about nourishment—it’s about experience.
The Mental Health Benefits of Rice
Let’s talk about rice for a moment—not just as a food, but as a mood-supporting staple.
Rice is more than just a filler on your plate. As a complex carbohydrate, it helps regulate serotonin, that “feel-good” neurotransmitter that supports mood stability and emotional balance. When we give our brain steady fuel, we help it regulate more smoothly.
Plus, rice offers a good dose of essential B-vitamins—niacin, thiamin, B6—all of which support brain function, reduce stress hormones, and promote overall cognitive health.
And if you’ve ever felt emotionally soothed by a warm bowl of rice, there’s science behind that too. It’s high in fiber, supports stable blood sugar levels (which helps avoid energy crashes), and plays a role in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Let’s not forget the emotional nourishment food can bring. Comfort foods, especially those rooted in our culture or childhood, connect us to something deeper—something safe, familiar, and grounding.
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My Review of the Original Recipe
That basic combo—tomato, rice, and soy sauce—was simple, budget-friendly, and surprisingly filling. I can absolutely see this as a childhood comfort meal. It’s quick, easy, and doesn’t require any fancy tools or techniques.
It’s even kid-friendly: something a child could safely make using leftovers and pantry staples. But as my palate has evolved (as it naturally does!), I’ve learned to tweak my childhood favorites to suit my adult cravings and nutritional needs.
That journey—honoring the comfort of childhood meals while exploring deeper roots—reminds me of how ancestral foods still shape the way I nourish myself today. I wrote more about that in this post about ancestral eating.
How I Elevated the Dish
To boost both flavor and nutritional value, I made a few swaps and additions:
Replaced white rice with long grain (for more fiber and fullness)
Added nutritional yeast for a cheesy, dairy-free twist
For a richer flavor, I sometimes use Daiya cheddar as a vegan cheese option
Here’s What I Used:
Ingredients:
1 cup white (or long grain) rice
1 clove garlic, minced
1 Roma tomato, diced
Shredded cheddar (or plant-based alternative)
Soy sauce
Salt + pepper
Directions:
Add rice, water (1 ¾ cups), and garlic to a rice cooker. Let it cook through.
Dice the tomato and place it in a bowl with the shredded cheese.
Once the rice is ready, spoon it over the tomato and cheese.
Drizzle with soy sauce and season to taste.
Mix everything together and enjoy while warm.
“Sometimes the simplest things are the most nourishing—not just for your body, but for your mind too.”
Optional Add-Ons + Tips
Try nutritional yeast instead of cheese for a dairy-free, B-vitamin-rich boost.
Add roasted chicken or another protein to make it more filling.
Experiment with rice varieties—brown, red, or black rice all bring different textures and benefits.
For more mindful choices, consider low-sodium soy sauce or gluten-free tamari.
If you’re sensitive to nightshades, tomatoes might be worth substituting—bell peppers or zucchini could work well.
Reflect & Nourish
As a therapist who weaves food and environment into the healing process, I believe every meal can be an invitation to pause, connect, and reflect.
📝 Journal Prompt: What’s one meal from your childhood that made you feel safe, loved, or comforted? How has your relationship with food evolved over the years?
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Interested in exploring the emotional side of your nourishment? Learn more about how I support women with holistic therapy rooted in food, feeling, and self-awareness. 👉 Work with me
Warning: If you have a sensitivity to nightshades, it may be helpful to seek other vegetables outside of the nightshade family to incorporate.
Written By: Reynelda Jones, LMSW-C, ADS, CIMHP
CEO and Lead Therapist, A Solution B
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