Sauté onions and garlic: In a large pot, heat 2 tbsp of olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add 2 chopped onions and 3 minced garlic cloves. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the onions are soft and translucent.
Add mushrooms: Toss in 500g of fresh mushrooms (preferably sliced). Cook for another 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are browned and their moisture has evaporated.
Stir in tomatoes, paste, and spices: Add 2 chopped tomatoes, 1 tbsp of tomato paste, and your choice of spices (salt and pepper to taste, along with any additional spices like cumin or paprika). Stir well to combine and cook for an additional 3 minutes.
Add stock: Pour in 500ml of vegetable stock and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes, covered.
Adjust consistency: After simmering, check the consistency of the stew. If it’s too thick, add a little more stock or water. Season with additional salt and pepper as needed.
Serve hot: Ladle the stew into bowls, garnish with fresh herbs such as dill or parsley, and enjoy warm.