Yes and it had to be stirred in one direction but no one ever told me why, LOL.
Sara Moulten from Food TV made Polenta that required little stirring. She mixed the water, corn meal and salt, set it to boil, stirring once or twice, and then simmered slowly partially covered for 15/20 minutes. It was a smooth consistency, no lumps, and left your arms free to prepare the rest of the dinner. I could not believe it could be so simple. If you'd like the recipe, let me know and I'll try to find it.
Sure I would. It's hard to believe, though. Not matter how long I stirred that stuff my dad always said it STILL didn't have a firm enough consistency. I'll take rolling, breading, and frying a zillion meatballs to stirring polenta anyday!