Chop dates and blend them in a mixer in 3 batches. If the dates are hard, they can be soaked in very little hot milk or water until softened.
Heat a pan with ghee, add dates and mawa. Mix and cook until well blended for about 4 minutes.
When the mixture is done, it will leave the sides of the pan. It turns to a mass as well.
Transfer this dates halwa to a greased tray. Level it with a greased spoon. Tuck in the nuts if using.
Cool dates halwa and then cut to desired shapes and sizes. Or make ladoos with small portions of this mixture.