Tomato Garlic Rice

This garlicky tomato rice is one of those go-to recipes that always delivers — simple, affordable, and loaded with comfort and flavour. Made with pantry staples and cooked in bone broth, it’s a nourishing, warming dish that’s still light enough for warmer days.

We love it as a main for little ones, or as a base for fast family dinners. Pair it with sardines, grilled meat, a garden salad or sauerkraut — it’s endlessly versatile and packed with nutrients. Sardines, in particular, are a powerhouse food for growing little bodies (and for pregnancy and postpartum too!) — full of calcium, protein, and DHA for brain development. And yes, the soft bones in tinned sardines are completely safe and mash easily with your fingers.

You can find our favourite sardines at Part and Parcel (discount code BOOBTOFOOD on your first order over $99)

Age Suitable:

Suitable from 6 months+, especially if rice and tomato have been safely introduced.
For babies, mash gently or mix with sardines or soft-cooked veggies so that the rice does not disperse around the mouth which can cause unnecessary gagging.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with sardines, grilled chicken or fish, or even a poached egg
Great with a simple garden salad and fermented veggies like sauerkraut
Reheat leftovers in a pan with eggs and greens for a fast, nutrient-dense breakfast
Add cooked lentils or shredded meat for a complete one-bowl meal

Ingredient Swaps

Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version
Swap white rice for brown rice (adjust cooking time and liquid)
Add extra veggies like capsicum, zucchini, or frozen peas to stretch the meal

Storage

Store in the fridge for up to 3 days
Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months
Reheat with a splash of broth or water to loosen the texture