Step 1

Place beans in a colander, remove any impurities and rinse them with cold water.

Step 2

Turn pressure cooker to saute mode. Cook bacon until crisp and use a slotted spoon to remove and drain on paper towel.  Leave about 4 tablespoons of the bacon fat in the pan.  Add carrot, celery, and onion and saute for about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

Step 3

Add broth and water, beans, pepper, smoked paprika, thyme, and salt. Add cooked bacon back into pan. Cook for 45 minutes on high pressure.

Step 4

When finished, let pressure cooker rest for 10-15 minutes before releasing pressure, stir in Worcestershire and liquid smoke. Use an immersion blender to partially blend soup to thicken.  Alternately, you could take 2-3 cups of soup and pulse in a blender and then add back into pot.

Step 5

If desired garnish with green onions.