Cookbook Review: Eat! An Italian Cookbook, by Sooshi Mango

A comprehensive Italian cookbook told through the humorous voices of our favorite mammas

Feature image credit: Murdoch Books

The comedic phenomenon that is Sooshi Mango is slowly building an empire. What started as a skit on social media for trio Joe and Carlo Salanitri, and Andrew Manfre, has evolved into national and international tours, the Saucy Meatballs podcast, a cameo appearance in the film Wog Boy 3: Wog Boys Forever, multiple brand collaborations, and the Melbourne restaurant Johnny, Vince & Sam’s. Now, the troupe have moved to the next logical step: a cookbook inspired by their Italian heritage.

The official authors of this cookbook are Joe Salanitri, Carlo Salanitri, and Andrew Manfre, but for all intents and purposes, it was written by Giuseppina, Carmela, and Angela — three mammas who know everything there is to know about casalinga-style Italian cooking. There’s a wealth of recipes here, many of them what you’d expect to see from a traditional Southern Italian kitchen. All the staples are included, from arancini balls to pizza dough and crostoli in the Dolci section. But the recipes tend to have slightly more depth than your average commercially available Italian plates, utilising ingredients like cinnamon in the pasta sauce.

One of the best things about this book is that the recipes allow for variation and adaptation. Many offer tips and suggestions about serving and preparation, but they’re more like guidelines than actual rules. Maintained throughout is a fuss-free approach where readers are encouraged to go with the flow — an attitude very consistent with cucina povera. Precise measurements are less important than making sure you cook with love!

Along with the recipes, there are humorous quotes from the mammas on every page that will make you chuckle, plus comedic interludes, such as the script for the dreaded conversation where you tell an Italian mamma that you’re a vegan. Then there are the more sentimental photos and memories of the authors with their real mammas. The photography styling is charming and straight out of Nonna’s house, keeping with the rustic ambiance, but the quality of the dishes is what really makes this book a winner.

Roasted Capsicums (page 134) and Twice-baked Bread (page 133)

This has to be one of the yummiest Italian recipes, and also one of the easiest. The recipe advises roasting the capsicums on an open flame, but I did it in the oven. Even if the capsicums aren’t that sweet or not in season, you can add flavour with garlic, salt, and herbs, but these are best made in summer. The twice-baked bread (which I baked once, as the option was given in the recipe) was a lovely accompaniment to the peppers, and surprisingly quick and easy. This is a great one for people who want to make their own bread regularly to avoid added chemicals and preservatives. Just make sure you bake it until it’s brown — I may have jumped the gun out of hunger!

Potato Croquettes (page 35)

Croquettes are a Mediterranean staple that look impressive despite being simple to whip up. They are a bit fiddly with a few steps in the process, but you don’t need advanced cooking skills for this recipe. Again, there’s room for improvisation — I used half the weight of potatoes called for and added more cheese, and there were still more than enough. These were also delicious both hot and cold.

Oven-baked Pasta (page 75)

Another winner! The recipe suggested layering the pasta like you would a lasagne, but that was a bit tricky so I whacked everything in the baking dish and mixed it together. This is another easy one despite being so impressive that I had people licking their bowls (okay, I am people). This is a good crowd pleaser that you can prep in advance and then cook it when you’re ready.

Reviewed by Vanessa Elle
Instagram: @vanessaellewrites

The views expressed in this review belong to the author and not Glam Adelaide, its affiliates, or employees.

Distributed by: Murdoch Books
Released: November 2025
RRP: $39.99