Manhattan Clam Chowder

Name: Manhattan Clam Chowder
Ingredients: 4 ounces (115g) bacon (diced); 1 large yellow onion (diced); 1 stalk celery (diced); 1 large carrot (diced); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 2 6-ounce cans whole baby clams (drained chopped and juice reserved (340g in total)); 16-ounce can clam juice (or 2 x 8oz cans – (450g in total)); 1 pound russet or Yukon gold potatoes (peeled and diced into ½ inch pieces (450g)); 1 bay leaf; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; ½ teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 28-ounc can diced tomatoes (not drained, 450g in total); salt and pepper