Add water, salt and a teaspoon of oil in a saucepan. Bring water to a rolling boil and turn off the flame.
Take the rice flour in a wide mixing bowl. Add the boiling water little by little to the flour and mix it well with a spatula / wooden spoon. Combine well to make a smooth dough.
Let it cool for 2 – 3 minutes. When it is still warm knead it well.
The dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
Grease your hands with oil and divide the dough into small sized round balls.
Steam cook the dough balls in greased idli plates for 8-10 minutes. Keep them aside.
Heat a teaspoon of oil in a pan. Add the mustard seeds and urad dal and let them splutter.
Add the curry leaves, broken red chillies and hing to it and stir for a couple of seconds.
Add the steamed balls, turmeric and coconut to it and mix well. Adjust the salt.