Beef Stew

A nice beef stew with red wine, cloves and thyme as the main seasoning.
1 lb stew beef
5 small onions
6-7 whole cloves
1/4 cup Bisquick or flour
1 cup red wine (or beef stock or beer or white wine, etc)
1 tablespoon thyme to taste
Salt and pepper to taste
6-7 small red potatoes
1-2 cups water