1/2 pound bacon, medium diced
1 cup chopped leeks (about 1 pound)
1 cup chopped yellow onions
1/2 cup chopped celery
1 carrot, peeled and diced
3 bay leaves
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
1/2 cup flour
1 pound white potatoes, peeled and medium diced
4 cups clam juice
2 cups heavy cream
2 pounds little neck clams, shucked, chopped
2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley
salt and pepper
In a heavy stock pot, over medium-high heat, render the bacon, until crispy,
about 8 minutes. Stir in the leeks, onions, celery and carrots. Sauté for about
2 minutes or until the vegetables start to wilt.
Season the vegetables with salt and pepper. Add the bay leaves and thyme. Stir
in the flour and cook for 2 minutes.
Add the potatoes. Stir in the clam juice. Bring the liquid up to a boil and
reduce to a simmer.
Simmer the mixture until the potatoes are fork tender, about 12 minutes. Add the
heavy cream and bring up to simmer. Add the clams and simmer for 2 minutes. Stir
in the parsley. Season with salt and pepper if needed.
