Pour water into a large copper or steel saucepan with heavy bottom. Put on the stove, turn on the heat and bring to a boil.
Once it starts boiling, add salt to the water.
Slowly sprinkle polenta into the water, in gradual steps. While adding cornmeal, keep stirring with a wooden spoon or whisk to prevent lumps from forming. Continue cooking polenta over medium heat, stirring frequently so that it won't stick to the bottom.
After about 20 minutes, add olive oil and lower the heat. Cook, while stirring, until the polenta begins to pull away from the sides.
Serve warm with your favorite toppings.