The original Zucchini Curry recipe adored by thousands! 12 simple ingredients are all you need to transform boring zucchini into this flavorful Indian & Pakistani-style Zucchini (Courgette) Curry, called Toriyan or ‘torai ki sabzi’ in Urdu. This is an easy, one-pot vegan curry recipe that will have you (and even your kids!) loving Zucchini.

Cooked courgette curry in a bowl garnished with cilantro and served with roti

“…It blew my mind. I can’t stop thinking about it, weeks later! I had no idea courgette could taste so good, I will definitely be growing it again just to make this amazing curry.”

Kath

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What’s so special about this recipe?

I originally published this zucchini recipe back in 2017. Since then, I’ve had hundreds of people reach out and share how much they love this curry. Here’s what I think makes this recipe special:

  • The cooking process brings out the sweet and rich flavors of zucchini. This plays well with the earthy, spicier flavors of this vegetarian curry.
  • An extra onion adds another layer of caramelization and complements the zucchini.
  • The spices are subtle, which make the final dish pronounced in flavor, but not overwhelmingly spicy.
Cooked courgette curry in a bowl garnished with cilantro and served with roti.

Notes on the Ingredients

I was tempted to give the onions and tomatoes in grams, but this dish allows for plenty of variance and I wanted the recipe to reflect that. Here’s what you need to know about the ingredients:

Tomato, cilantro, zucchini, garlic, ginger, onions, spices, among other Zucchini Curry ingredients on a marbled surface.
  • Green Chili Pepper – You can use Serrano, Thai chilis, or other suitable green chili pepper. You need just a small amount to add adequate heat and flavor.
  • Red Chili Powder – This is Pakistani and Indian style red chili powder. Substitute cayenne if you don’t have it. Since the spice level of red chili powder varies from brand to brand, start with the smaller amount and increase as desired.
  • Onions – This recipe works well with sliced onions (similar to okra curry), which contribute to the overall flavor and texture. For large onions, you may prefer to quarter them before slicing. If you’d rather just finely chop them, that’s okay too.
  • Zucchini (Courgettes) – Traditionally peeled but you can leave it unpeeled if you’d like. Just note that unpeeled zucchini may take a little longer to disintegrate into the curry.
Peeled and sliced zucchini half moons on a plate with a knife.

How to Make Zucchini (Courgette) Curry

The method can be simplified into 4 Steps:

  • Step 1: Sauté the onions until golden. Don’t brown them too much because once you add the garlic and ginger, the onions will deepen even more in color.
  • Step 2: Add the tomatoes, salt, and spices. Once the tomatoes soften, add the zucchini along with a bit of water.
onions being sauteed in a black skillet
Chopped tomato added to sauteed onions
  • Step 3: Cover and allow to cook for 7-10 minutes. Once the zucchini is soft and the water has dried up, use a wooden spoon to break the zucchini into pieces.
  • Step 4: Lower the heat, cover, and allow the zucchini to cook for another 15-20 minutes. Uncover and sauté out any excess moisture, using your spoon to break up any remaining bits.
Courgette added to the masala base of onions and tomatoes
Curried zucchini (courgette)

How to know when it’s done:

The final dish shouldn’t have water content from the zucchini floating around. When in doubt, sauté a little extra. Once the oil separates from the curry and the zucchini is very well cooked, you’re done!

A note: I’ve had several people share pictures of their finished product with a bit more ‘curry’ and not fully reduced down. If that’s how you prefer it, that’s okay too. Make it your own!

Finished dish of curried zucchini (courgette) garnished with cilantro in a black skillet

How to Serve

This dish pairs perfectly with just about anything, but roti, naan, paratha, or any other bread go exceptionally well with it. Rice is another reader-favorite pairing.

Half-eaten bowl of courgette curry served with roti

More Popular Vegetarian Curry Recipes:

Courgette Curry in a bowl with cilantro and roti served on the side

Tried this recipe? If you have a minute, please consider leaving a comment & star rating telling me how it was! If you’re on Instagram, please tag me so I can see your creations. I truly love hearing from you! Thank you!

Zucchini Courgette Curry in a bowl
4.98 (145 ratings)

Pakistani Zucchini (Courgette) Curry | Toriyan (Torai ki Sabzi)

Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Adored by thousands, this easy Zucchini (Courgette) Curry is truly astonishing. This is a next-level tasty vegan curry that'll transform everyday Zucchini into something even kids will love!
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Ingredients 

  • 1/3 cup (79 ml) grapeseed or other neutral oil
  • 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
  • 5-6 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 1 inch piece ginger, crushed
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1 medium tomato, cubed
  • 1 tsp salt, or more to taste
  • 1/2 tsp coriander powder
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper powder
  • 1/4-1/2 tsp red chili powder, or to taste
  • 3 large (1 to 1 1/4 lb) (454-567 g) green zucchini squash (courgette), peeled and cut into 1/8-inch half-moons, (weighed after chopping)
  • 1 small green chili pepper (such as Serrano), sliced
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1/4 cup (4 g) chopped cilantro, for garnish

Instructions 

  • Heat oil in a nonstick or heavy bottomed skillet over high heat. Add the onions, and sauté until they are lightly golden (~8-10 minutes).
  • Lower the heat to medium and add the garlic, ginger and cumin seeds. Sauté until the raw smell of the ginger and garlic disappears (~1 min). Add the tomato, salt, coriander powder, black pepper powder, and red chili powder. Sauté for a minute, then stir in the zucchini and 1/4 cup of water. Mix well, ensuring that the zucchini is well coated.
  • Cover and let cook on medium heat for 7-10 minutes, stirring once in between. Once most of the water has dried up, use a wooden spoon to break the zucchini into pieces. Add the sliced green chili pepper and turmeric and sauté for a few minutes.
  • Lower the heat to the lowest setting, cover and continue to cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring half-way. If you’re afraid it will stick to the pan, add a splash of water. Uncover and stir well. If needed, raise the heat to high to sauté any extra moisture for 3-5 minutes. Taste and adjust salt.
  • When the water has completely dried up and the zucchini is very well cooked, turn off the heat and garnish with cilantro, if desired. It is typically eaten with roti or naan but you can serve it with any type of bread or rice.

Video

Calories: 204kcal, Carbohydrates: 10g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 19g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Sodium: 631mg, Potassium: 178mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 4g, Vitamin A: 424IU, Vitamin C: 11mg, Calcium: 27mg, Iron: 1mg
Author: Izzah Cheema
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian, Pakistani
Curried zucchini (courgette) curry in a speckled plate with a metal spoon.

This is an update of a recipe that was originally published in 2017. Since then, it’s been updated with new pictures and video!