| 1 tablespoon vegetable oil |
| 1 cup chopped green bell peppers |
| 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme, or 1/2 teaspoon dried |
| 2 tablespoons tomato paste |
| 6 cups hot clam juice or broth |
| 2 potatoes, peeled and diced (about 2-1/2 cups) |
| Freshly ground black pepper |
| 2 cups chopped canned clams |