Date & Fig Ladoo (Sweet Balls)

Ingredients (Makes 25 ladoos)

1.5 cup dates, pitted, coarsely chopped
1/2 cup dried figs (anjeer), coarsely chopped
1.5 cup raw, unsalted walnuts
1 cup raw, unsalted almonds
2 tbsp white poppy seeds (khus-khus)
4 tbsp ghee, melted (substitute with unsalted butter)
1/8 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
1/2 tsp cardamom powder
Ghee to grease the palms

Method:-
In a small pan, on low, lightly dry toast the walnuts and almonds for 3-5  minutes or till you smell the aroma. Set aside to cool.
In the same pan, dry toast the white poppy seeds as well for 30-40 seconds on low.
Once the nuts have cooled, tip them on a board and using a sharp knife chop them.
Chop them as fine as it is possible by hands. 
This can be done in a food processor too. Take care that you don't over pulse them so that they release the oils. 
Rub some ghee on your food processor jar (this will aid in taking out the ground dates later)
tip in the chopped dates & figs and pulse 10-15 times & grind.You will get a highly sticky ball. Set aside.
In a large bowl, tip the chopped nuts, poppy seeds along with cardamom & cinnamon powder.
Combine well.With greased palms, take out the ground date & fig mixture and add to the bowl. Pour the 4 tbsp melted ghee on top.
Mix everything with hands (preferably) till it comes together. You might need to grease your palms in between. 
Once mixed, pinch equal portions and shape into balls or ladoos.
Store at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Best enjoyed with a glass of warm milk.