Fresh Clam Chowder

Ingredients

• 4 pounds manila clams small, raw, in the shell
• 1 pound red potatoes about 3 medium, chopped into 1/2-inch bite-size cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1/2 pound pancetta cubed or bacon, sliced
• 1 red onion large, thinly sliced
• 1 stalk celery thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 2 carrots large, peeled and thinly sliced into rounds
• 3 tablespoons chili paste to taste
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ground black pepper Freshly
• Italian flat leaf parsley for garnish, optional