Wash the cherries well. Remove the stems and pits, then set aside the prepared fruit.
Place the pitted cherries in a heavy pot. Stir in the granulated sugar and fresh lemon juice. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes to help draw out the natural juices.
Remove the pot from heat. For a smoother texture, you can use an immersion blender to lightly mash the cherries, leaving some chunks for texture if desired.