Eat! Mamma Knows Best

Eat! Mamma Knows Best by Joe Salanitri

I am not a great cook, so once in a while I need a cookbook for guidance and inspiration. 

With the release of Eat! Mamma Knows Best, I have been excited to discover some southern Italian dishes that have been collated by the Sooshi Mango trio through their families in Melbourne. As the authors reveal, learning firsthand from an Italian mother or nonna is not an easy task, requiring patience, observation, and plenty of clarification, especially when ingredients are traditionally measured by instinct rather than exact amounts.

The authors have done a fantastic job of presenting a wide range of recipes while also sharing stories and family photos. I found the dishes in this book to reflect more of a home‑style Italian cooking tradition, food that many people, myself included, would have grown up with. Several dishes, including eggplant parmigiana and broccoli pasta, are not commonly found in Italian restaurants, so it is exciting to see these recipes featured.

Beyond making the recipes accessible to everyone, the storytelling and life tips help bring the dishes to life. This cookbook offers opportunities to experience, practise, and for me in particular, to reminisce. It has the power to transport readers back to their childhoods, unlocking special memories along the way.

I recommend Eat! Mamma Knows Best to anyone looking for authentic southern Italian cuisine that combines tradition, family stories, and recipes suitable for anyone who loves Italian food and the memories that come with it.

Find Eat! Mamma Knows Best by Joe Salanitri

Jason