In a large sauce pot, fry the bacon over medium-low heat until the fat renders and the bacon gets a little crispy, about 5 to 6 minutes.
Add the onion, carrot and celery, reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 7-10 minutes.
Add tomato paste toast for a few minutes till slightly darkened.
Add the stock, clam juice, potatoes and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, and simmer till potatoes are tender.
Stir in clams and season with sea salt and pepper to taste.
Bring to simmer. Cook for a minute or so while clams are still tender. Over cooking will make clams rubbery.
Add in chopped parsley(optional) and serve with your favorite crusty bread
