Brown the salt pork in a skillet over moderate heat until golden.
2 oz salt pork
Drain on paper towels and combine with the remaining ingredients in a large saucepan.
2 cups clams, 2 cups water, 6 large tomatoes, 2 large potatoes, 1 large onion, 1 rib celery, 1 large carrot, 1 large green bell pepper, 1/4 cup tomato paste, 1 whole bay leaf, 1/2 tsp dried thyme, Salt, ground pepper
Bring to a boil over moderate heat, reduce the heat and simmer covered for 2 hours.
The taste matures if refrigerated overnight.
Notes
Serve with warm bagette for a tasty meal that is hard to beat, especially on a cold evening.