Crispy Lentil Fritters (Tortillitas de Lentejas)

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup Dried green lentils
• 2 cups Water
• 1 Bay leaf
• 3/4 of a cup All-purpose flour
• 1 Large egg
• 1/2 cup Beer (or club soda or sparkling water)
• 1 Shallot, finely chopped
• 2 cloves Garlic, roughly chopped
• 2 tbsp Chopped parsley
• 1/2 tsp Sweet smoked Spanish paprika
• 1/2 tsp Ground cumin
• Sea salt
• Freshly cracked black pepper
• 1/3 cup Sunflower oil (or other neutral oils)
• 2 cloves Garlic, roughly chopped (for alioli)
• 1/4 tsp Saffron threads
• Sea salt (for alioli)
• 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
• 1 tsp Fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)