Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

　　

Ingredients

Makes about 3 1/2 cups

　　2 slices bacon, chopped

　　1 small onion, chopped fine

　　1 celery rib, chopped

　　1 garlic clove, minced

　　1 1/2 dozen small hard-shelled clams, shucked, reserving 1/2 cup liquor, and chopped

　　1/3 cup dry white wine

　　1 cup water

　　2 teaspoons tomato paste

　　1 small boiling potato

　　2 medium vine-ripened tomatoes, seeded and chopped

　　2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley leaves

　　

Step 1

In a 1 1/2-quart saucepan cook bacon over moderate heat until crisp and transfer with a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain. In fat remaining in pan cook onion, celery, and garlic with salt and pepper to taste over moderately low heat, stirring, until softened.

　　

Step 2

In a bowl whisk together reserved clam liquor, wine, water, and tomato paste and add to onion mixture. Peel potato and cut into 1/2-inch pieces. Add potato and tomatoes to saucepan and simmer, covered, until potato is tender, about 15 minutes. Add clams and parsley and simmer, covered, 2 minutes.

　　

Step 3

Serve chowder sprinkled with bacon.