medium ripe tomatoes (or you can also use bell peppers, eggplants, zucchini, onions) • little sugar, for sprinkling • large onions, finely chopped • olive oil (about 355 ml) • Carolina rice, rinsed under running water • fresh mint, finely chopped • small bunch fresh parsley, finely chopped • Salt and pepper • water (about 240 ml) (if you also use bell peppers, eggplants, zucchini, or onions)