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1
Preheat broiler on high.
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2
Make sure oven rack is about 4 inches below the heat source.
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3
Rub 1 teaspoon of the olive oil over the surface of a rimmed baking sheet.
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4
In a large sauce pot, heat the remaining 5 teaspoons olive oil over medium heat.
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5
Add half of the garlic and cook until golden, about 3 minutes.
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6
Add tomatoes, sugar and half of the salt and red pepper flakes (if desired).
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7
Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover the pot and simmer for 10 minutes.
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8
Meanwhile, in a food processor, combine zucchini, carrot, onion, remaining half of the garlic and parsley.
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9
Pulse until finely chopped.
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10
Transfer vegetable mixture to a large bowl.
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11
Add the beef, oats, Parmesan, egg and remaining half of the salt and red pepper flakes (if desired).
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12
Mix well.
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13
Shape mixture into meatballs that are roughly 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
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14
Arrange evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
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15
Broil until the tops of the meatballs are browned, about 5 minutes.
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16
Gently transfer meatballs to the sauce pot and continue to cook, covered, for 10 minutes or until meatballs are cooked through.
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17
Remove from heat.
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18
Serve as an appetizer or over cooked spaghetti as a main course.
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19
Garnish with additional parsley and Parmesan if desired.
