Preheat the oven to 400F. Mix yeast with water and 1 cup flour in a small bowl. Cover with a clean cloth and leave in a warm place for 10-15 minutes to form a sponge.
Add the yeast mixture to the rest of the flour, salt and sugar. Add in the other ingredients, mix well and turn out on a floured board.
Knead until dough is smooth and elastic. Divide the dough into 16 balls. Place them on baking sheets and leave in a warm place covered with a damp cloth for 20 minutes to allow them to rise.
Brush with beaten egg before putting them into the oven. Bake for 20 minutes until nicely browned.
