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1
Combine 2 cups water, the oil, and the salt in a medium-size saucepan, and bring to a vigorous boil over medium-high heat.
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2
Remove the pan from the heat and add the flour, stirring quickly and constantly as you add it.
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3
The flour will instantly absorb the water and come together to form a satin-soft ball.
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4
Transfer the dough to a clean, dry countertop or cutting board.
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5
Knead the dough to smooth it.
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6
Wrap the dough with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out while you get the idli pan or a steamer basket ready for steaming.
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7
Shove the dough into the cylindrical cavity of a noodle press (see Notes) or a cookie spritzer (use the plate with the smaller round holes).
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8
If you are using an idli pan, sprinkle a scant teaspoon of coconut shreds in the individual concave-shaped indentations.
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9
Push the dough down to extrude vermicelli-thin noodles directly into the molds, and slice the strands as they fold into a nest.
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10
Stack the idli plates (there are usually four plates per pan, each with four indentations) around the idli stand, placing the small metal rod between the plates to separate them.
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11
Fill a large stockpot with hot water to a depth of about 1/2 inch, and set the device in it.
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12
Cover, and steam over medium-high heat until the nests appear dry and are slightly opaque, 10 to 12 minutes.
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13
Transfer the nests to a serving platter and keep them under plastic wrap to maintain their moist al dente texture.
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14
If you are using a steamer insert, scatter about 2 tablespoons coconut over the bottom of the steamer basket.
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15
Push the dough down to extrude vermicelli-thin noodles, making small piles in the basket and slicing the strands as they fold into nests.
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16
Cover, and steam over medium-high heat until the nests appear dry and are slightly opaque, 10 to 12 minutes.
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17
Transfer the nests to a serving platter as above.
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18
Repeat with the remaining dough.
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19
Use right away, or reheat later: in the microwave, covered, for about 30 seconds, or in the steamer basket for 1 to 2 minutes.
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20
You can also freeze the nests in sealed plastic bags or containers for up to 1 month.
