Baked Meatballs with Orzo in Roasted Pepper Sauce

Ingredients

• 1 can (15 oz/400 g) crushed tomatoes
• 1 small jar (10 oz/280 g) roasted bell peppers (liquid drained)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 3 tbsp breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp milk
• 1.1 pounds ground beef
• 1 garlic clove (finely minced or grated)
• 1 egg
• 3 tbsp ricotta (or heavy cream)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 6 tbsp olive oil (divided)
• 1 shallot (finely chopped)
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 eggplant (diced)
• 7 ounces orzo
• salt (to taste)
• black pepper (to taste)
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp chili flakes
• 5 ounces grated mozzarella
• fresh thyme (for sprinkling)