Whole-Wheat Cracker Rings with Black Pepper and Fennel Seeds (Taralli Integrali con Pepe e Finocchio)

Ingredients (9)

• 1 tbsp freshly ground black pepper
• 2 cup whole-wheat flour or gluten-free baking mix, plus extra for work surface
• 0.75 cup lukewarm water divided
• 2.5 tsp active dry yeast
• 0.5 tsp unrefined sea salt
• 0.25 tsp crushed red chile flakes
• 1 egg white, lightly beaten
• 2 tsp fennel seeds
• 3.5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil divided