Add the stock (or water), cornmeal, and salt to a medium sized saucepan and heat over medium-high heat.
Bring the cornmeal mixture to a boil, stirring consistently. Lower the heat and continue stirring until the polenta has thickened, which should take around 15 minutes.
Taste the polenta and, if needed, add additional salt and pepper.
Remove from heat. Add the butter, and any additional seasonings you'd like. (Thyme, rosemary, chives, cheese, etc.)
