Ingredients

• 4 ounces thick slab bacon, unsliced rind removed and cut into 1/3 inch dice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped (1 tbl)
• 1 large onion, cut into 1/2 inch dice (10 ounces)
• 2 stalks celery, cut into 1/3 inch dice (4 ounces)
• 2 medium carrots, cut into 1/2 inch dice (4 ounces)
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 1/2 lbs yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch dice
• 5 cups clam broth
• 2 cups diced clams
• 1/4 cup chopped flat leaf parsley
• coarse salt
• fresh ground black pepper
• 1 medium green bell pepper, cut into 1/2 inch dice (6 ounces)
• 1 (28 ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes with juice, cut into 1/2 inch dice
• 2 dried bay leaves