Heat a medium pot over medium heat with extra-virgin olive oil. Add rice and toast for 1 to 2 minutes. Add 3 cups chicken stock and the bay, lemon zest, turmeric, coriander, cumin and cardamom. Cover pot and bring rice to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer rice 18 minutes. Fluff rice with a fork, remove bay leaf and add butter. Toss to coat the rice evenly.

While rice cooks, make the vegetables. Heat a deep nonstick skillet over medium-high heat with 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil. Add onion, garlic, eggplant and bell pepper. Cover and cook stirring occasionally 7 to 8 minutes until tender. Uncover and add the tomatoes, chick peas, salt, pepper, curry paste and remaining 1 cup chicken stock. Simmer 6 to 7 minutes longer. Mix scallions into rice and top with vegetables. Garnish with cashews.