Tomato Sauce Directions: 

Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onion, garlic, salt and cook until the onion is translucent, then add the tomatoes. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook, stirring, for 10 to 15 minutes. If you like your sauce extra smooth, let it cool slightly, the puree in a blender or food processor. 

Stuffed Eggplant Directions:

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Score the cut sides of the eggplant and salt well. Arrange cut side down on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes, or until tender. Cool slightly, then scoop the flesh into a bowl and mash. Set the skins aside.

MAKE THE FILLING: Mix together the lamb, grated onion and garlic, the fresh herbs, 2 teaspoons of the salt, and the spice blend in a bowl and set aside.

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bell peppers and a pinch of salt. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring constantly, then add the chopped onion and minced garlic and cook until translucent, about 8 more minutes. Add the meat mixture and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring to break up the meat. Add the tomato paste and crushed tomatoes. Mix well. Cook until the meat is no longer pink and the tomatoes have cooked down a bit, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the mashed eggplant flesh.

Spoon the filling into the eggplant skins and top with pine nuts. Pour the tomato sauce into a baking dish. Place the stuffed eggplant on top. Bake until heated through and the pine nuts are toasted, about 10 minutes. Spoon the sauce over the eggplant and serve.