Beef Stew with Herb Biscuits

FOR STEW: Preheat oven to 300 degrees F. Heat the oil in a heavy large pot over medium-high heat. Brown the meat in batches, taking care not to crowd the pan, about 8 minutes. Transfer meat to bowl.

Add the onions and garlic to the pot and sauté for 2 minutes. Sprinkle the flour over the onion mixture. Stir in flour with a wooden spoon, scraping the bottom of the pot. Saute until the mixture is golden brown, about 1 minute. Gradually stir in the wine, 3/4 cup water and the tomato paste. Season with salt and pepper. Continue stirring until the mixture begins to thicken. Return the meat to the pot. Add the mushrooms and bring to a boil. Cover and either cook gently on the stove or bake in the oven until meat is tender, about 1 1/2 hours.

FOR BISCUITS: Sift the flour and salt into a large bowl. Add the butter. Rub in with fingertips until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the herbs. Stir in the buttermilk. Using a pastry cutter, mix until dough begins to forms. Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead just until dough holds together. Transfer dough to floured work surface. Roll or pat out the dough to 1/2-inch thickness. Using 2-inch biscuit cutter, cut out about 10 biscuits.

Remove the stew from the oven. Increase oven termperature to 400 degrees F. Arrange the biscuits on the surface of the stew and brush the tops with the egg. Place the stew at the top of the oven, uncovered, to cook for 12 minutes, or until the biscuits have risen and turned golden brown.

CHEF'S TIP: If you don't have any buttermilk, add 1 teaspoon lemon juice to fresh milk.