Step 1

In a large liquid measuring cup add the warm water (105-110°F). Add the sugar and yeast to the water and whisk it together. Set it aside for about 5 minutes until the yeast is foamy.

Step 2

Place the flour in a large mixing bowl and whisk in the salt, then make a well in the center. Mix in the yeast water and the extra virgin olive oil until well combined – add more water if needed; you want a moist dough, it shouldn’t be too dry.

Step 3

Transfer the dough to a flour-dusted surface and knead for around 8 to 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Wash and dry the mixing bowl, then lightly oil it.

Step 4

Return the dough to the bowl, drizzle with a little more olive oil, and leave it to rise for around 1 to 1 ½ hours (this will depend on how warm your kitchen is), until doubled in size.

Step 5

When the dough has risen, turn it out onto a clean surface, knock it back, and roll into a rectangle about 10 x 16 inches. Brush over a layer of olive oil and evenly sprinkle the za’atar and Aleppo pepper, leaving a ½-inch border around the edges. Pat the spice mixture gently into the dough with the back of a tablespoon.

Step 6

Starting with a short side, roll the dough up as tightly as you can. Trim off the uneven excess bits at the end. Slice the dough into 8 to 9 pieces. Pour enough oil to just cover the base of a 10-inch cast-iron skillet and pop in the slices, swirl facing up. Cover and set aside for the rolls to double in size, about 30 minutes.

Step 7

Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. When the buns have roughly doubled in size, bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until golden. As soon as they come out of the oven, drizzle generously with olive oil and leave to absorb in the skillet for 10 minutes before serving.