Thanksgiving and Christmas are times of joy, family gatherings, and, of course, delicious feasts. One of the centerpieces of these celebrations is often the roasted turkey. However, after the big meal, you're often left with a good amount of leftover turkey. Instead of letting it go to waste, why not turn it into a comforting and homemade turkey and noodle soup? This soup is not only a great way to use up leftovers but also a delicious and nutritious meal that the whole family will love.

To start making this wonderful soup, you'll first need to gather your ingredients. Besides the leftover turkey, you'll need some basic pantry staples. You'll want to have onions, carrots, and celery on hand. These vegetables are the foundation of a great soup, adding both flavor and nutrition. Onions bring a sweet and savory note, carrots add a touch of natural sweetness and vibrant color, and celery provides a refreshing crunch and a hint of bitterness that balances the flavors.

Begin by chopping the onions, carrots, and celery into small, uniform pieces. This will ensure that they cook evenly in the soup. Heat some olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped vegetables. Stir them frequently to prevent burning and to allow them to soften. As they cook, you'll notice the wonderful aroma filling your kitchen. This is the start of creating a rich and flavorful soup base.

While the vegetables are cooking, you can start preparing the turkey. Shred the leftover turkey into small pieces. You can use a fork to easily pull the meat apart. The shredded turkey will add a hearty and protein - rich element to the soup. Once the vegetables are tender, add a couple of cloves of minced garlic. Garlic is a great flavor enhancer and will give the soup an extra kick.

After adding the garlic, let it cook for a minute or two until it becomes fragrant. Then, pour in some chicken broth. You can use either store - bought or homemade chicken broth. The broth will form the liquid base of the soup and will carry all the flavors together. Bring the broth to a boil, and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the soup cook for about 15 - 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Now it's time to add the noodles. You can choose your favorite type of noodles for this soup. Egg noodles are a classic choice as they have a great texture and hold up well in the soup. Add the noodles to the simmering soup and follow the cooking instructions on the package. Usually, it takes about 8 - 10 minutes for the noodles to cook through. Stir the soup occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking together.

Once the noodles are cooked, add the shredded turkey to the soup. Let the turkey heat through for a few minutes. You can also season the soup with salt, pepper, and a little bit of dried thyme or rosemary for an extra layer of flavor. Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings according to your preference.

This homemade turkey and noodle soup is a versatile dish. You can customize it by adding other ingredients. For example, you can throw in some frozen peas or corn for added color and nutrition. You can also top the soup with some fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and a fresh, herbal flavor.

Not only is this soup delicious, but it's also a great way to make the most of your leftover turkey. It's a budget - friendly meal that can be easily made in large batches and stored in the freezer for future meals. So, the next time you have leftover turkey from Thanksgiving or Christmas, don't hesitate to transform it into this wonderful turkey and noodle soup. Your taste buds and your family will thank you!

Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting meal on a cold day, this turkey and noodle soup is the perfect choice. It's easy to make, full of flavor, and a great way to use up those leftovers. So, roll up your sleeves, head to the kitchen, and start creating this delicious soup today!