It’s been sizzling hot where we are in the tropics and for a pregnant woman with an oversized belly, that’s really not funny.

Besides perspiring and waddling around not being able to remember what my feet actually LOOK like, it doesn’t help feeling like an upside-down turtle while trying to side-flip to get out of bed in order to get bladder relief. Not forgetting fending off queries like “You still around?”(I wish I was on a summer holiday or take the next shuttle to space?) and well-meaning quips like “your belly is very big”(duh…come to think about it..I possibly ate another human.)

And the eating doesn’t seem to stop… to be more accurate, have been eating like there’s no tomorrow! Away with constant thoughts of piping cinnamon buns and ice cream at 11pm at night…! A humorous quip goes: Each month has an average of 30-31 days, except the last month of pregnancy, which has 1453 days. Spot on.

Still, despite what I might look like around the house, there’s still reason to celebrate: I still get a shot at reasonably decent sleep, plus, when I feel like it, I still do nice things ?: like making this Spicy Tuna Aglio Olio. Lots of garlic (love), lots of chili flakes(love), tuna and bell peppers (love), little minions to assist you (love, love, love!) and a homecooked meal (what’s not to love!). Now if that doesn’t make me feel like a “hot” mama, I don’t know what will!

Spicy Tuna Aglio Olio

Spicy Tuna Aglio Olio (Pregnant-friendly)
(Serves 4)

500g spaghetti
5 whole bulb garlic, chopped
2 cans tuna in oil
2 bell peppers
light olive oil
sea salt
Parmesan cheese
red pepper flakes

1. Cook the spaghetti aldente, reserve some pasta water.
2. Prepare chopped garlic and bell peppers thinly sliced. With 3 Tbsp of olive oil on low heat, add the garlic, and fry gently till slightly fragrant for about 1-2mins. Add the bell peppers it, and fry till fragrant. If you like your pasta a little spicy, shake some red pepper flakes into the oil as well.

3. Turn up the heat to medium and add the spaghetti. Fry the spaghetti with the garlic oil, then add the tuna. Mix well.

4. Turn the heat down to low.
Season with sea salt, red pepper flakes, Parmesan cheese to taste.