You can passively prepare a rich and creamy polenta without watching the stove, letting the dish cook itself. All you have to do is let an already hot broth do most of the work.

Instead of combining polenta and water or stock on the stove, get a pot of broth simmering beforehand, turn off the heat, and add the polenta gradually, whisking as you go.

Cover, and let the mixture sit for 45 minutes, while the polenta absorbs all the broth-y goodness and becomes rich and fluffy. Mix in some parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.

This hack turns cooking polenta into a passive task, while saving time and effort. It also offers a great way of using leftover broth or homemade stock.