The Humble History of Skilly: A Thin, Watery Porridge of Medieval Europe

Skilly is a type of thin, watery porridge made from cornmeal or oatmeal. It was a common food in medieval Europe, especially among the poor and working classes. The name "skilly" is derived from the Old English word "skill," which means "a thin drink" or "a weak liquor."

Skilly was often served as a breakfast dish, but it could also be eaten as a snack or as a light meal throughout the day. It was made by boiling cornmeal or oatmeal in water, then adding salt, pepper, and sometimes other ingredients like milk, butter, or honey to taste. The resulting porridge was thin and watery, with a consistency similar to that of weak gruel.

Skilly was considered a nutritious and filling food, especially for those who could not afford more substantial meals. However, it was also seen as a humble and unappetizing dish, and was often associated with poverty and hardship. In some cases, skilly was used as a metaphor for the hardships and struggles of everyday life.