Bring the water to a boil in a large pan, and add the salt.
Place the polenta grains in a jug and pour slowly into the boiling water. Use a long-handled wooden spoon to stir constantly.
Stir until all the polenta has been incorporated and there are no lumps.
Add the butter and parmesan, and season with pepper.
Simmer, stirring constantly until you have cooked the polenta for up to five minutes (the polenta is usually ready after one minute but will still be soft - it firms up with more cooking).
