Soak the dates in 1/4 cup of warm milk for 20 minutes.
Boil 2 cups of milk in a pan till it reduces a little less in volume.
Switch off the flame. Allow this to cool completely.
Keep this aside.
Grind the soaked dates into a smooth paste. You can add the soaked milk for grinding.
Now add the dates paste to the milk mixture.
Mix well and do not boil this.
Roast the cashew nuts in ghee and add it to the payasam. Switch off the flame.
Serve hot or chilled.
No need to add sugar to the payasam as the sweetness in the dates is more than enough.