Pick your hero: Choose one main: crispy lemon-herb chicken thighs, slow-braised beef/lamb, or a whole-roasted spiced cauliflower.

Preheat the oven to 425°F/220°C for chicken or cauliflower; set to 325°F/165°C for braising.

For Crispy lemon-herb chicken: Pat thighs dry. Season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and thyme. Toss baby potatoes with olive oil, smashed garlic, lemon wedges, salt, and rosemary on a sheet pan. Nestle chicken on top, skin side up. Roast for 40–50 minutes until skin is crisp and potatoes are tender.

For Slow braise: Salt beef/lamb generously and sear in Dutch oven with a little oil until browned. Add sliced onions, carrots, garlic, 1 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika; sauté for 3 minutes. Deglaze with 1 cup stock or red wine and add bay leaf and thyme. Cover and bake until fork-tender.

For Whole-roasted cauliflower: Trim leaves but keep the core. Whisk 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp Dijon, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp soy sauce, and a pinch of chili flakes. Rub all over the cauliflower and roast on a sheet pan, tented with foil for 40 minutes, then uncover for 20–30 minutes until deeply browned.

Make a hearty grain salad by cooking quinoa or farro according to the package. Toss warm grains with chopped parsley, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Fold in drained chickpeas, halved cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta, and a splash of red wine vinegar.

For a quick green side, blanch broccolini or green beans in salted water for 2–3 minutes. Drain and toss with olive oil, lemon zest, and chili flakes.

Make a punchy yogurt-tahini sauce by stirring 1/2 cup yogurt with 1 tbsp tahini, 1 tsp Dijon, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and a drizzle of honey. Thin with water to drizzle.

Warm the bread by slicing and brushing with olive oil, then toasting in the oven until crisp at edges. Rub with a cut garlic clove if desired.

Assemble by plating the hero with roasted potatoes or grain salad, adding greens, spooning on sauce, and showering with chopped parsley or grated Parmesan.