Minorcan Clam Chowder

Name: Minorcan Clam Chowder
Ingredients: 1 cup clam juice; 1 1⁄2 lb. hardshell clams, such as littleneck or cherrystone; 2 oz. salt pork, minced; 1 tbsp. olive oil; 2 tsp. minced thyme; 1 tsp. dried basil; 1⁄2 tsp. dried marjoram; 1⁄2 tsp. dried oregano; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 bay leaf; 1 datil or habanero chile, minced; 1 green bell pepper, minced; 1 large yellow onion, minced; 3 plum tomatoes, chopped; 1 (28-oz.) can whole peeled tomatoes, crushed by hand; 3 cups homemade fish stock or store-bought; 1 lb. waxy potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2″ pieces; Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; Crackers, for serving (optional)