Minorcan Clam Chowder | Saveur

Ingredients

• 1 cup clam juice
• 1 ¹⁄₂ lb. hardshell clams, such as littleneck or cherrystone
• 2 oz. salt pork, minced
• 1 tbsp. olive oil
• 2 tsp. minced thyme
• 1 tsp. dried basil
• ¹⁄₂ tsp. dried marjoram
• ¹⁄₂ tsp. dried oregano
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 datil or habanero chile, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, minced
• 1 large yellow onion, minced
• 3 plum tomatoes, chopped
• 1 (28-oz.) can whole peeled tomatoes, crushed by hand
• 3 cups homemade fish stock or store-bought
• 1 lb. waxy potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2″ pieces
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Crackers, for serving (optional)