Place yeast with 1 tsp. sugar and 2 Tbs warm water and let sit for 5 minutes until foamy
MAKE THE DOUGH:
Mix flour, remaining sugar, thyme and salt in a large bowl.
Make a well in the center. Pour in the ghee, yeast mixture and 2/3 cup of warm water.
Use your hands to mix the ingredients into soft dough. It should be slightly sticky. Add the olives and continue to fold in.
If the dough is too dry, add a Tbs warm water, if too sticky add a bit of flour and mix until combined.
KNEAD THE DOUGH:
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until you notice an elastic texture and springy feeling if you press your finger into the dough.
Spread the dough, add the olives and knead into the dough.
ALLOW TO RISE:
Cut the dough into 8 equal pieces, place on oiled pan or parchment paper, cover with damp cloth and allow to rise for about an hour until they are doubled in size.
During the end of the rising time, preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
BAKING:
Drizzle the rolls with additional melted ghee and sprinkle with thyme.
Bake for about 20-25 minutes until browned on top and bottom, and they sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
SERVING:
When done, remove from cookie sheet and allow to cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes prior to serving.
Recipe Note
SOURCE: This recipe is from a lovely cookbook,Casablanca: My Moroccan Food by Nargisse Benkabbou, with some modifications (ie I added the part about using Zazi ghee!)