Marine Snail soup in Brussels

Near a Sunday flea market, I saw an old lady selling marine snail soup in a huge pot. The snails have been simmering just below boiling point for hours. They are a bit chewy with a lot of sea flavor. The broth is for sure a winner! Not only full of the snail sea flavor, but also a bit sweet and spicy. I would drink it everyday!

The vendor told me the receipt is a family secret. Basically it's the broth in which the whelks were prepared with lots of celery and a generous amount of onion and pili pili (hot chili sauce), bay leaf and thyme, etc. But it is true recipes vary with each vendor. White wine is optional.