Spicy Haitian Pork

In a blender, combine the garlic with the scallions, thyme, black pepper, chiles, onion, bell pepper, lime juice, cloves and 2 teaspoons of salt, and puree; transfer to a resealable plastic bag. Add the pork shoulder steaks to the bag and turn to coat. Refrigerate the pork overnight.

Preheat the oven to 325°. Remove the pork from the marinade and transfer to an enameled cast-iron casserole; add the water and bring to a boil. Reserve the marinade. Cover and braise the pork in the oven for 1 hour and 30 minutes, turning the steaks a few times, until tender; transfer them to a plate.

Boil the braising liquid until reduced to 1 cup, 10 minutes; strain into a saucepan and boil until reduced to 1/2 cup, 8 minutes. Add the marinade and boil for 1 minute.

Lightly season the pork with salt and brush with the reduced sauce. In a nonstick skillet, heat the vegetable oil. Add the pork and cook over moderately high heat until the steaks are browned and glazed, about 2 minutes per side, then serve.