Hawaiian Beef Stew
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste 1 onion, cut into chunks 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 teaspoon ground black pepper 10 cups water 2 tablespoons salt, or to taste 2 tablespoons white sugar 3 bay leaves 3 potatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces, or to tas… 4 carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces 4 pounds stew beef, cut into 1-inch cubes 5 cloves garlic, minced 5 stalks celery, cut into 1/2-inch pieces ¼ cup cornstarch ¼ cup water ½ cup red wine