A bowl of rice, soft beans, and soft vegetables can taste good yet feel a little repetitive. One crisp addition may change the experience more than another spice.
Look at the meal before adding anything. Is it dry and crumbly, or soft and rich? A dressing can connect dry components. Cucumber or cabbage can bring freshness to a warm bowl. Toast can give soup a crisp companion.
Keep additions purposeful. Adding every texture at once can make the meal busy without making it better. Start with the contrast that seems most useful and taste the components together.
This way of thinking also helps with leftovers. You may not need a new recipe for the beans; you may simply need a different base or a fresh topping. Use food that has been stored safely, then decide how to make it enjoyable.