ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Gruel

Hey kiddo, do you know what gruel is? It's a type of food that's usually made from grains like oatmeal or rice that are boiled in water or milk. It's kind of like a very watery porridge, almost like soup.

Now, why would someone eat gruel? Well, sometimes people eat it when they don't have a lot of money or access to fancy ingredients. Gruel is really cheap and can fill you up, so it was a common food for poor people in the past.

But gruel isn't just for poor folks! Some people still eat it today because it's easy to make and can be a comforting food. You can add some sugar or other flavorings to make it taste better. Plus, it's usually pretty healthy because it's made from whole grains.

So there you have it, gruel is a simple and cheap food that can be enjoyed by anyone, no matter their income.