Mediterranean Fish Stew with Chickpeas and Garlic Croutons

Step 1

Preheat oven to 180 degC/355 Fahrenheit.

Step 2

Heat olive oil in a medium-size pot or large fry-pan on medium heat. Sauté onion, garlic, celery and capsicum until soft (about 6-7 minutes).

Step 3

Add rosemary sprigs, tomatoes, stock, chickpeas and chilli flakes if using. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes to allow stew to thicken slightly.

Step 4

While the stew is cooking, make the garlic croutons. Toss bread chunks with olive oil and garlic and bake in oven until golden and crispy (about 8-10 minutes).

Step 5

Add fish and lemon juice to stew, cover and continue cooking a further 3-5 minutes until fish is just cooked through. Turn off heat and season to taste with salt and pepper. Remove rosemary sprigs.

Step 6

Divide stew between shallow bowls, garnish with parsley and a good drizzle of boutique extra virgin olive oil. Top with garlic croutons. Serve immediately.